"Lead Business Analyst"

Job Description:

• Elevate Business Analysis from requirements capture to strategic advisory
• Own and strengthen Business Analysis and Testing practices across the ICT portfolio
• Lead a professional team that shapes delivery quality and protects investment value.

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

ITS is delivering a substantial portfolio of digital and technology-enabled initiatives aligned to the University’s strategic priorities. We are seeking an experienced Business Analysis leader to strengthen how initiatives are framed, analysed and validated across this portfolio.

As Lead Business Analyst, you will oversee the Business Analysis and Testing disciplines within the Project Delivery Office. You will ensure initiatives are set up properly from the start — with clear problem statements, requirements, defined outcomes, and appropriate quality controls.

You will directly manage Business Analysts and the Test Analysts, lifting capability, embedding consistent standards, and ensuring quality and rigour across delivery.

Working closely with Project Managers, Architects, Sponsors and governance groups, you will:

• Own and continuously improve the Business Analysis Framework
• Strengthen and govern the Testing Framework across projects
• Lead structured discovery for complex or high-risk initiatives
• Ensure requirements align to enterprise architecture principles

You will also contribute to enterprise business architecture thinking by process views and current/future state operating models that inform prioritisation and solution design.

Beyond individual initiatives, you will shape how Business Analysis is practised across ITS — ensuring analysts operate as trusted advisors who challenge assumptions, clarify value and improve decision quality.

This is a permanent, full-time role (37.5 hours per week) based at our Hillcrest Campus.

Salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate based on capability and experience.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Olivia Derecourt-Griffin, Head of Project Delivery, olivia.derecourt-griffin@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received so early applications are encouraged.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are a senior Business Analysis professional with experience operating at enterprise level in complex organisations.

You bring:

• Significant experience in Business Analysis within large or multi-disciplinary environments
• Demonstrated experience leading or managing professional staff
• Experience defining or uplifting Business Analysis and/or Testing frameworks
• Strong capability in structured discovery, problem framing and options analysis
• Experience working alongside architecture and delivery teams in complex system environment

You are comfortable working in ambiguity and bringing clarity to complex problems.

You influence without relying on authority. You are confident challenging assumptions constructively and ensuring initiatives are solving the right problems before moving into delivery.

You are motivated by improving delivery quality and organisational impact.

You value equity and diversity and are committed to partnership with Māori in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You bring cultural awareness and respect to your work and understand the importance of context when shaping change within Aotearoa.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The Information Technology Services (ITS) Division is responsible for the coordination of information and communications technology (ICT) planning for the University; the delivery of robust, reliable core ICT infrastructure and enterprise systems, and the provision of professional ICT consultancy and customer-focused support services.

The ICT vision is “To engage, enable, innovate and protect our ICT services, and empower the University of Waikato to leverage the value of ICT to achieve its strategic goals.”

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close: This role will remain open until filled.

Requisition number: 1003484

Posted: 06/03/2026