Job Title: Business Analyst II - Marketing Operations
Job Type Classification: Permanent
Location - Town / City: Brackenfell, Cape Town
Location - Province: Western Cape
Location - Country: South Africa
Purpose:
The systematic and methodical investigation, analysis and documentation of all or part of a business in terms of business functions and processes, and the information they use. The identification and examination of business needs and determine timely and effective solutions to business problems.
The identification and development of new and alternative approaches to performing business activities that are made possible by the availability of information and communications technology.
Qualifications:
Any of the following qualifications:
BCom Information System
Industrial Engineer
Professional Qualification Level 6 (FTI Diploma in business analysis)
Experience:
Essential
- 3-5 Years’ experience as a Business Analyst.
- Experience in dealing with projects related to traditional marketing campaigns, customer contact centres, content management and CRM.
Desirable:
1-2 Years’ experience in a Retail environment.
Knowledge:
Familiar with a range of analysis, modelling and design methods
Understanding of Value Chain Concepts - The complete sequence of activities within a process, from receipt of an order or request to delivery of a product or service.
Thorough understanding of all stages of alternative application development life cycles both within and beyond own organisation.
Skills: Essential
Analytical and creative approach to problem solving.
Excellent interpersonal skills and is fully experienced at dealing with clients/users.
Job objectives:
Job Purpose:
The systematic and methodical investigation, analysis and documentation of all or part of a business in terms of business functions and processes, and the information they use. The identification and examination of business needs and determine timely and effective solutions to business problems.
The identification and development of new and alternative approaches to performing business activities that are made possible by the availability of information and communications technology.
This includes: understanding different project methodologies, and the underlying technology and its application, assessment of the costs and potential benefits of the new approaches considered and, where appropriate, change management and assistance with implementation.
The role acts as a bridge between the business unit, organisational stakeholders and the solution team.
Role Tasks:
Investigate and describe current business processes, identifying the organizational structure undertaking and supporting the business activities.
Identify cultural, organizational and business constraints affecting options for change.
Assess the risks, costs and potential benefits of alternative business process designs.
Responsible for investigative work to seek effective business solutions.
Organize their implementation through improvements in information systems, data management, processes / procedures, organization and equipment.
Applies and monitors the use of required modelling and analysis tools, methods and standards in an intelligent and effective way.
Co-operate with senior client and IS staff as required, Conducting investigations at a high level for strategy studies, requirements specifications and feasibility studies.
Utilise business experience and skills to assess and advice on the practicability of alternatives, marrying up technical limitations with operational realities.
Take responsibility as needed for the detailed specification and modelling of recommended solutions using resources, standards, methods and tools as required. Maintain links with appropriate counterparts within both architecture and service delivery functions and play a full part in bringing systems to implementation as detailed by organization policies and methods.
In all assignments, ensure that account is taken of any potential safety-related aspects of work undertaken supervising, as called for, the use of specialised techniques, tools and methods in analysis, modelling and design.
Plan, arrange and control meetings, workshops and relations with client/user staff during system investigations and throughout subsequent development work.
Take responsibility at a high level for the proper conduct of such relations.
Plan and organize the giving of presentations or training sessions to all levels including senior management.
Role Characteristics:
Clear understanding of the needs of users, customers / clients and stakeholders
Collaborative relationship between the users, customers and stakeholders and the technical team
Strong commitment to project objectives
Use of reputable requirements process that is continuously improved
The maintenance of a system architecture that supports the users, customers and stakeholders’ current and planned needs
The ability to accommodate changes in requirements as they are progressively elaborated
Understanding of cost factors involved in the development process
Competencies:
Essential
*Relating and networking
*Analysing
*Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
*Applying expertise and technology
*Planning and organising
*Working with people
Highly desirable:
Creating and innovating
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!