Lead Business Analyst

Are you an experienced Business Analyst who thrives in complex environments, enjoys solving difficult problems, and can confidently lead others through change and uncertainty?

The Health Research Authority (HRA) is delivering an ambitious digital transformation programme that will reshape how health and care research is supported across the UK. We’re looking for an exceptional Lead Business Analyst to help drive this transformation and lead our Business Analysis capability.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in developing products and services that support researchers, NHS organisations, regulators, universities and industry partners, ultimately helping to improve the UK research landscape.

The role
As Lead Business Analyst, you'll set the direction for business analysis in the digital transformation programme. You'll work across organisational boundaries, build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, and lead a team of Business Analysts delivering meaningful change.

This role requires someone who is equally comfortable operating at a strategic level and getting involved in the detail when needed. You'll help shape priorities, influence decision‑making, and ensure solutions deliver value for users and the organisation.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading business analysis across large, complex programme delivering digital services
• Managing, coaching and developing Senior Business Analysts and Business Analysts
• Working closely with Product, Subject Matter Experts, User‑Centred Design and Technical teams in an Agile environment
• Building trusted relationships with stakeholders
• Facilitating discovery, requirements definition, process modelling and improvement
• Acting as a recognised expert and advocate for business analysis best practice

Who we’re looking for

We’re particularly interested in people who bring both technical excellence and strong leadership skills.

You’ll have:

• Significant experience leading business analysis across complex programmes, portfolios or large‑scale digital transformations
• Experience working in an environment with competing priorities and changing demands
• Experience leading, mentoring and developing Business Analysts and high‑performing teams
• Strong Agile delivery experience and an ability to adapt methods and approaches to suit the situation

What will make you stand out?

We’re looking for a leader who remains calm and effective when priorities change.

Our environment is dynamic, and the most successful candidate will be someone who:

• Thrives in ambiguity rather than being discouraged by it
• Demonstrates resilience when programmes evolve or strategic decisions change direction
• Helps teams stay focused, motivated and outcome‑driven when plans need to adapt

• Professional qualification at master’s level in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Recognised business analyst certification (either BCS Foundation / Practitioner or IIBA CCBA/CBAP certifications)
• Recognised certification in Agile (for example Scrum Alliance)

• Demonstrable expertise of working in data, software, and technology solutions to make informed decisions that add value, efficiency and solve a problem
• Demonstrable expertise of implementation and evaluation of business analysis processes
• Managing and/or working with third‑party suppliers and multiple internal and external business and IT stakeholders with management of relationships across different levels of seniority
• Understanding of Microsoft development software

• Large portfolio of experience demonstrating successful working at a lead business analyst level supporting the entire projects, programmes and development lifecycle
• Experience of line management
• Experience of coaching/mentoring, and supporting junior colleagues and apprentices
• Experience of working in NHS and/or health research

• Demonstrable experience of analytical and creative thinking skills to analyse complex business problems and develop innovative, sustainable solutions

• Lead on communication with stakeholders at all levels and actively establish relationships and apply the benefits of professional networks

Full‑time, Home or remote working, Compressed hours