Business Analyst - Continuous Improvement

Continuous Improvement Business Analyst

First Energy at a Glance:
We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers' lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger. First Energy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, First Energy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of 3,780 megawatts.

This is an open position with First Energy Service Co., a subsidiary of First Energy Corp.

Position Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Business Analyst role reports to one of the Directors, Continuous Improvement and can be located within the First Energy service territory. Travel on an as needed basis. The Continuous Improvement Business Analyst is an individual contributor who plays a vital role in identifying and implementing improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce redundancies, optimize operations, and ensure customer satisfaction. The individual should act as a change agent, supporting a culture of continuous improvement and empowering the organization to improve operational effectiveness and profitability while delivering exceptional service to all key stakeholders.

The individual should foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, creating a more efficient, resilient, and responsive organization.

• Identify opportunities and work with the business unit on process improvement, waste reduction, and cost optimization.
• Conduct detailed analysis of current processes, using tools like process mapping, value stream mapping, root cause analysis tools, and data analysis to understand pain points, inefficiencies, and root causes of problems.
• Gather and analyze data, including performance metrics and KPIs, to quantify process inefficiencies and track improvements over time.
• Lead and participate in workshops and other initiatives to drive process enhancements and engage team members in problem-solving.
• Collaborate with various departments and stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for improvement initiatives, adopting a collaborative approach to change.
• Establish metrics to track progress and measure the impact of improvement initiatives, reporting on project status, savings, and outcomes to senior leadership.
• Apply controls and provide ongoing support to ensure that optimized processes are effectively implemented and maintained by teams, preventing lapses and embedding improvements in daily operations.
• Remain updated on industry trends and best practices by continuously researching and learning about new technologies, methodologies, and best practices.
• Evaluate potential improvement projects based on their financial impact and prioritize those that offer the highest return on investment and or base O&M reductions.
• Assess the financial implications of different improvement strategies and choose the most impactful solutions based on data and analysis.
• Utilize and develop tools to maximize asset value through sound strategy, informed decision-making, and business process and tool development.
• Developing predictive and prescriptive models using statistical techniques, software, and machine learning algorithms to forecast future trends and outcomes.
• Develop reports using platforms such as Oracle BIP, Toad Database, Rapid Miner, Python, and other tools through data visualization tools.
• Participate in periodic release process regression testing as needed.
• Build and maintain models to enable and improve data-driven decision-making.
• Focus on safety and compliance by applying continuous improvement to ensure adherence to safety regulations and industry standards.

Bachelor's degree with a recommended minimum of 4 years relevant work experience or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience. Related experience includes but is not limited to process improvement and optimization efforts, financial management and change management. Experience in managing and delivering CI projects, meeting deadlines, and budgetary requirements, is also necessary. Proficient analytical and quantitative skills with demonstrated ability to proactively identify challenges or roadblocks.

Gather and analyze relevant information while advancing understanding of the topic/issue, develop solutions, and present recommendations. Possesses proficient knowledge of overall business operations and fundamental knowledge of department operations. Demonstrates proficiency in working with management and peers internal and external of the department. Ability to support established relationships and interface with external parties while maintaining core business objectives.

At First Energy, employees are key to our…