Lead Business Analyst

Job DescriptionRequirements gathering and analysis, UML, OOA/OOD and testing



BAs will be imparted product training to begin with and are responsible for gathering and translating the client's business requirements into a conceptual/functional solution and for carrying out project activities related to analysis for the implementation of software by a client. The BA will provide insight into future releases of products and will guide designs and the development strategy to take advantage of these future releases. The position requires a high degree of business focus to enable integrator or customer BA's; ability to understand the "big picture" and drive activities to ensure customer satisfaction. Exercises judgment and creativity within general defined practices and policies in selecting methods and provides direction to the architectural project team.

The position will be based in Dallas TX to begin with and then the candidates need to be flexible to work either in Dallas TX or out of a home office of your choice depending on the client's needs.


Major Responsibilities

Performs the analysis function on the implementation. Identifies client requirements, and defines the business solution, scope of the project based on the products and object-oriented analysis and design methodology.
Works proactively with internal and external organizations to ensure project completion
Interfaces with the project team (business representatives, developers, technical architects), and provides product knowledge.
Develops functional software specifications based on object-oriented methodology and the product. These include, but are not limit to process models, use cases, class models and object sequence diagrams.
Provides client mentoring in the product set and analysis & design methodology (including the Harmony Delivery Model).
Supports the Project Managers with the business analysis planning & preparation of business plans.
Communicates with Project Management on project status and resolutions to critical issues.
Maintains QA responsibility for all business & business design work.
Assists in sales efforts by means of business analysis advice to proposal projects and sales presentations.
Maintains high level of knowledge of the product set features, customization principles and functionality.
Is knowledgeable of  product development & project methodologies, especially the way customer requirements are translated to the products; and supports continuous improvement of the Business Analysis methodologies and methods.

Skills


Excellent communication skills. BA's will serve as facilitator/lead for customer workshops, mentors and key points of contact for a product implementation.
Solid relationship management skills and consulting presence.
Insight and understanding of Object Oriented projects
Solid hands-on experience with RUP.
BA's will have solid, hands-on experience with As Is process modeling; To Be process modeling, Business Class modeling, High Level Object Sequence Diagrams, Use Case analysis, gap analysis, functional storyboards, candidate UI design.
The ability to communicate complex business and technical issues in plain English
Experience of undertaking QA / business reviews and troubleshooting engagements
Demonstrated business knowledge of the Customer Interaction business space
Must have (or gain) an understanding of product set.

Pre-requisites
A BS degree in business or computer sciences plus 6-8 years of experience OR an advanced degree and 5+ years of relevant work experience
4+ years experience in business analysis of application development projects and prior experience working with project teams, system integrators and customer install projects
2+ years experience in leading business analysis efforts for application development projects
2+ years consulting experience
Experience in client management and managing customer expectations
1+ years OO project experience (C++, Java, Forte, Objective-C, or Small-talk) were experience is not defined as actual hands-on experience with these languages - rather and understanding of OO concepts and OO analysis and design techniques.
Experience in information technology and/or the consulting business that has included project estimation feasibility studies, business analysis, business design reviews, implementation, user acceptance testing, documentation, functional reviews, and project management. Understanding of the industry sectors in which clients operate, the base technologies and related technologies. Ability to estimate risk and provide contingency plans.

Candidates need to be open to travel. Some international travel may be involved as well.