At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose:

To provide hands-on leadership and delivery of technical solutions by the efficient and accurate translation of business need into requirements consumable by the delivery teams in-line with agreed practices and under the direction of the Head of Business Analysis.
To provide hands-on support and mentoring to advance the skills of other business analysts promoting the sharing of business and technical knowledge and adoption of business analysis practices through mentoring team meetings/lunch and learns as well as written :
The Assessment Technology group reports directly into the Chief Executive Officer. The group operates in close partnership with the Enterprise Technology and Central Hubs departments.
The Lead Analyst is a member of the Analyst team within the Assessment Technology group which is responsible for the operational systems underpinning the full lifecycle of exam series delivery from entries to post-results services and other Enterprise wide products and services.

Activities:
Lead on business analysis best practices and delivery for portable maintainable and scalable software products and services.
Mentor and coach team members to support professional development cross-skilling and continuous improvement of team processes contributing to a centre of excellence for business analysis.
Work collaboratively with business stakeholders and technical teams to translate requirements into clear deliverablessuch as statements of work user stories specifications and architectural designswhile mapping processes clarifying needs and ensuring alignment with AQAs priorities technology standards and assessing the impact of changes.
Ensure all documentation is comprehensive consistent and accessible supporting intended operational benefits. Maintain accurate records and reporting for software solution activities in systems such as Azure DevOps and SharePoint.
Support the business in designing and delivering User Acceptance Testing (UAT) including coordinating the testing approach defining acceptance criteria and assisting users with test scripts and issue resolution.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders across AQA.
Assist with risk mitigation backlog management and iteration planning by providing estimates and advising on delivery approaches and risks.
Play a key role in estimation and design phases keeping up to date with best practices and sharing knowledge within the Software Solutions group.
Support the delivery of exam series especially during the critical summer period.
Deputise for workstream delivery leads as required.
Comply with all AQA policies and legislative requirements.
Undertake other responsibilities as business needs change and as appropriate to the role.

To be successful in this role you will need to know:
Significant experience as a successful Analyst delivering high-quality tasks at all project lifecycle stages from requirements gathering to implementation.
Demonstrated familiarity with at least one Systems Development Life Cycle methodology (e.g. Agile Waterfall Iterative).
Skilled in data modelling including Entity Relationship Modelling and proficient in using database tools and querying or creating test databases.
Experienced in requirements management developing user stories and conducting business process analysis and modelling with the ability to recommend and implement process improvements.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills enabling effective engagement with both technical and non-technical audiences and the delivery of impactful workshops.
Strong analytical and interviewing skills to identify business objectives gather and document complex requirements and define effective solutions and specifications.
Proven ability to support manage and improve testing activities including unit system and User Acceptance Testing.
Demonstrated ownership of software solution delivery and continuous improvement with experience coaching mentoring and leading individuals and teams to foster effective partnerships.
Proficient in using prototyping to support requirements clarification process redesign and delivery of business benefits in complex multi-functional organisations.
Broad understanding of business operations in a project environment including supporting the creation of robust business cases.
Proven ability to manage issues risks and problems from identification to resolution.
Ability to produce and maintain high-quality documentation.
Proficient in using Application Lifecycle Management tools (e.g. ADO JIRA)
Resilience and calmness under pressure to meet tight deadlines in complex contexts.
Ability to receive feedback and learn from mistakes for continuous self-development.
Proven ability to adapt to new IT methods tools and procedures.
Ability to take ownership of software solution delivery and continuous improvement activities.
Ability to lead by example and maintain effective working relationships with partners and stakeholders.