Senior Business Analyst

Shape complex initiatives. Bring clarity to ambiguity. Deliver outcomes that matter.
* Lead structured discovery and business analysis across major ICT initiatives
* Partner with academic and professional leaders to define fit-for-purpose solutions
* Influence solution design and delivery quality across a diverse digital portfolio

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 Senior Business Analyst to play a pivotal role in shaping, analysing and validating initiatives across this portfolio.

As a Senior Business Analyst within the Project Delivery Office, you will lead business analysis activities on complex projects from early discovery through to implementation and transition. You will ensure initiatives are grounded in clear problem statements, well-defined requirements, validated business cases and measurable outcomes.

You will work closely with Project Managers, Architects, Test Analysts, Sponsors and subject matter experts to ensure solutions are robust, aligned to enterprise principles and capable of delivering tangible value to teaching, research and student experience.

Your responsibilities will include:
* Leading structured discovery and business needs analysis for complex initiatives
* Defining and validating functional and non-functional requirements
* Developing and contributing to Business Cases and option analysis
* Facilitating workshops and stakeholder engagement across academic and professional services areas
* Supporting solution validation, User Acceptance Testing and implementation readiness
* Identifying opportunities for business process improvement and redesign

Beyond individual projects, you will contribute to strengthening Business Analysis practices within ITS by modelling best practice, mentoring peers and supporting consistent standards.

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, [email protected]. 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 an experienced Business Analysis professional who operates confidently in complex organisational environments.
You will bring:
* 5+ years’ experience in Business Analysis within medium to large organisations
* Demonstrated capability leading analysis on complex or enterprise-impact initiatives
* Strong expertise in business process modelling, requirements elicitation and validation
* Experience working across structured and Agile delivery environments
* The ability to translate technical concepts into language meaningful to business stakeholders
* Experience supporting testing, solution validation and implementation activities.

You are comfortable working in ambiguity and turning complexity into clarity and ask the right questions early. You challenge assumptions constructively. You remain focused on ensuring initiatives solve the right problem before progressing into delivery. You build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and bring sound judgement, professionalism and resilience to your work. 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 on October 8, 2026
Requisition number: 1003877