Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Business Analyst - Data to join the IT team at Yorkshire Water and help deliver high-quality data solutions and business change for our customers.
Location & Work Type
Location: West Yorkshire / Hybrid Working (1-2 days in the office per week). The role will initially be based in Bradford, with a future move to Leeds Valley Park planned for summer 2026.
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday.
What we do
We provide essential water and wastewater services to the Yorkshire region, supporting communities and protecting the environment with a focus on reliable service, sustainability, and continuous improvement. The IT function enables the business to meet changing customer and regulator expectations through technology investments and data capabilities. The Lead Business Analyst - Data will drive business change and develop technical and data expertise.
As our Lead Business Analyst - Data, you will
- Lead and develop a team of up to 10 Business Analysts, providing clear support and guidance.
- Lead scoping, requirements gathering, and prioritisation for high-impact, strategic initiatives.
- Translate requirements into actionable specifications for IT and operational solutions to drive business change.
- Influence senior leadership to embrace process and organisational transformation.
- Build deep expertise in business processes and operating models to identify opportunities for sustainable improvement.
- Secure stakeholder and customer sign-off for change and IT-related requirements.
- Demonstrate strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and deliver implementation plans across systems, processes, and behaviours.
- Apply the most effective business analysis tools, techniques, and methodologies (including predictive and agile approaches).
- Shape the requirements and design of the Strategic Data Platform and related solutions.
- Define and maintain organisational standards for requirements management.
- Use industry-recognised techniques to elicit business needs and resolve conflicting requirements.
- Ensure IT solutions deliver maximum value and align with business goals.
- Champion innovation and communicate the value of IT across the organisation.
- Contribute to IT contingency and security planning in line with business continuity.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners to influence strategic roadmaps and ensure value for money.
- Uphold professional standards and corporate values, continuously improving technical solutions.
- Drive governance and secure business commitment through formal requirements sign-off.
- Define service level agreement specifications where appropriate.
- Provide post-implementation support to ensure benefits are realised and sustained.
- Maintain high standards of knowledge and capability within the Business Analysis Centre of Excellence.
- Lead and inspire the Business Analysis Community of Practice.
What skills & qualifications you will need
- Build and maintain influential relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, suppliers, and partners.
- Demonstrate a curious and questioning mindset, always seeking deeper understanding.
- Show a strong commitment to learning, personal growth and continuous improvement.
- Communicate effectively with excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills.
- Highly motivated and self-sufficient, with a clear sense of purpose and a proactive approach to responsibility and ownership.
- Capable of independently managing issues and projects on behalf of the leadership team.
- Make decisions that contribute to organisational goals and impact financial performance.
- Influence others effectively to drive activity completion and outcomes.
- Possess strong organisational and personal time management skills.
- Embody a customer-first mindset and consistently deliver high-quality service; possess broad understanding of business operations with deep specialist expertise.
- Apply advanced problem-solving skills to identify root causes and recurring patterns.
- Proven experience delivering successful projects across both strategic and tactical data solutions.
- Experience in scoping and defining requirements for new data products.
Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we support flexible working patterns and job share options where possible to help work-life balance. We also provide accessibility adjustments as needed during the recruitment process.
Do we sound like your cup of tea?
If you've got experience in Business Analysis and want to help us deliver great service for our customers while looking after the environment, apply today to explore a career with Yorkshire Water.
Application & Closing
If successful, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks including Basic Disclosure, with possible security vetting depending on the role. All roles may require a medical questionnaire and further medicals when required. The closing date for this role is 2 June 2026.