Lead Business Analyst – Data
We are looking for a Lead Business Analyst – Data to join the IT team at Yorkshire Water and help us provide the best service to our customers.
Location & Working Arrangements
West Yorkshire / Hybrid Working (1–2 days in the office a week) – this role will initially be based in Bradford but our office will move to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you’ll be based there in the future.
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday.
What we do
We make sure over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of tourists who visit each year rely on our services, ensuring clean and safe drinking water and proper wastewater management. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity. New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers mean that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry.
The IT function is a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators. Yorkshire Water is investing heavily in technology to improve resource management and customer service. The Lead Business Analyst will play a key role in driving business change and developing technical and data expertise.
Where you fit in
As our Lead Business Analyst – Data, you will:
* Lead and develop a team of up to 10 Business Analysts, offering clear support and guidance.
* Lead scoping, requirements gathering, and prioritisation for high‑impact, strategic initiatives.
* Facilitate business change by translating requirements into actionable specifications for IT and operational solutions.
* 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.
* Select and apply the most effective business analysis tools, techniques, and methodologies (including predictive and agile approaches).
* Play a key role in shaping the requirements and design of our Strategic Data Platform and associated 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 (for self and others), 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. Holds a broad understanding of business operations alongside deep specialist expertise; handles complex tasks involving technical, financial, and quality dimensions.
* 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.
Additional information
Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can) to help you make the best of both your work and home life.
If you’ve got experience in Business Analysis and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.
If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre‑employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third‑Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.
We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required.
Closing date
The closing date for this role is the 2nd June 2026.
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