Business Analyst- Durban
IT
KZN
Overview
The Senior IT Business Analyst is responsible for bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions.
This role involves analyzing business processes, identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements, and driving the implementation of IT solutions that support both retail and wholesale operations.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of business strategy, IT infrastructure, and system optimization within a growing retail and wholesale environment.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Business Analysis, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in IT business analysis, process improvement, or IT operations.
- Experience working in a retail and/or wholesale environment is an advantage.
- Strong understanding of IT systems, ERP solutions, and business intelligence tools.
- Proven ability to lead IT-related projects and implement process enhancements.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.
- Strong communication skills to interact with stakeholders across all levels.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy and Planning:
- Work closely with the management team to develop and align IT strategies with business objectives.
- Identify areas where technology can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and support growth.
- Define and document IT roadmaps to ensure planned technology implementations align with business priorities.
- Assist in defining IT budgets for projects, operations, and maintenance in collaboration with senior management.
- Ensure that IT-related queries and issues are escalated and addressed to optimize system usage across the organization.
- Act as a liaison between business stakeholders and the technical team.
- Communicate requirements clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies.
- Evaluate new software or tools to support business objectives.
- Support change management efforts, ensuring smooth adoption of new tools or processes.
Process Analysis and Implementation Strategy:
- Analyze existing business processes to identify inefficiencies and propose improvements.
- Document process enhancements and create plans to leverage technology for operational efficiency.
- Work with cross-functional teams to ensure process changes encompass the entire organization and do not operate in silos.
- Lead business process transformation initiatives by integrating technology and best practices.
- Participate in the creation of functional specifications for new systems or enhancements.
- Assist in the creation of test cases and scenarios for system testing.
- Monitor project progress and identify potential risks or roadblocks.
- Validate and verify data integrity and consistency.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management:
- Collaborate with external vendors, contractors, and consultants to ensure cost-effective delivery of IT solutions and services.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to understand their technology needs.
- Define and document service level agreements (SLAs) to monitor the quality of IT services provided by vendors.
- Communicate IT project updates, system changes, and improvements to stakeholders in a clear and structured manner.
IT Infrastructure & Systems Optimization:
- Work with IT teams to evaluate and recommend software and hardware solutions that align with business needs.
- Support the planning, implementation, and management of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and business applications.
- Assist in defining IT budgets for system upgrades and maintenance, ensuring alignment with the IT roadmap.
- Ensure robust backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans are in place.
IT Operations & Governance:
- Monitor system performance and identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime.
- Establish IT policies, procedures, and standards for information security, compliance, and data integrity.
- Ensure system enhancements and upgrades follow structured planning rather than ad-hoc fixes.
- Define KPIs for IT operations and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
Asset Management & IT Governance:
- Manage IT-related assets, including hardware and software, ensuring compliance with licensing and governance frameworks.
- Define and implement a structured process for asset identification, tracking, and maintenance.
- Ensure IT assets are recorded accurately in the asset register and managed efficiently.
- Support ongoing business transformation initiatives by aligning IT systems with operational goals.