Business Analyst - Process

The role

We are currently seeking a Business Analyst who enjoys improving how work gets done to join the Information Services team within the Regional Services & Information Group as a Business Analyst - Process.

This is a 24-month fixed-term position based in Palmerston North.

This role has been established to support Horizons' Digital Transformation Programme, with a key focus on the IRIS NextGen project. IRIS NextGen is a major programme of work that will introduce new system capability and require changes to how teams work, make decisions, and manage business processes. You will work with teams across Council to understand current processes, identify gaps, and help shape future ways of working that are practical, sustainable and supported by the new system.

You will facilitate workshops, gather requirements, complete gap analysis, map current and future-state processes, and support teams through design, testing, implementation and change. The focus is on business analysis with a strong process improvement lens, helping the organisation move from current-state processes to better, more consistent ways of working.

We are looking for someone who is curious, organised and comfortable working with a range of people. You will be the person who asks good questions, brings structure to complex process gaps, and helps connect business needs, system capability and change in a way that makes sense.

About you

You are a practical Business Analyst who enjoys working with people to understand how things work now, where the gaps are, and what needs to change. You are comfortable facilitating conversations, mapping processes, gathering requirements and turning business challenges into clear, usable solutions.

You do not overcomplicate things. You can work through detail when needed however, you are also able to step back, see the bigger picture and help teams focus on what will make the biggest difference.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Experience in business analysis, systems analysis, process improvement or digital transformation.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, requirements gathering, process mapping and facilitation.
• The ability to analyse business problems and translate them into practical, achievable solutions.
• Experience supporting business-led system, service or process improvement initiatives, ideally involving gap analysis or implementation change.
• Good communication skills and confidence working with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A relevant qualification or certification in Business Analysis, Lean Six Sigma, process improvement or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting business improvement initiatives, system implementations, reporting projects, or data-related programmes of work.

It would be an advantage if you have experience with Lean Six Sigma, DMAIC, local government, service design, Power Platform, SharePoint, automation, AI or other digital improvement tools.

What will really make you stand out is a genuine interest in helping people improve the way they work, and the ability to turn process pain points into practical improvements that stick.

Why join us?

When you join us, you can look forward to a rewarding career full of opportunities to develop a positive and supportive work environment. We do this through:

• Positive focus on employee health, wellness and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation including your birthday off, wellness day, life insurance for all permanent staff and 5 weeks leave after 2 years of service.
• Flexible family friendly work environment.
• Ongoing development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills.
• Working together for a better environment across our region.
• A supportive and social work environment across the organisation.

About us

The Horizons region extends over 22,200km2 – from Ruapehu in the north and Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west and Tararua in the east. We work with and for our community in the use and protection of our environment, managing our precious resources of land, air and water; as well as public transport and a key role in emergency management. At Horizons Regional Council we work to make our region a healthy environment where people are thriving, including our staff.

Horizons are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace, so our people reflect the diversity of our region.

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 30 August 2026 however, we will be reviewing and processing applications as they are received, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

For a copy of the Job Description visit business-analyst---process---job-description-aug-2026.pdf