Optix is looking for a Business Analyst to bolster their already strong Product team on their journey to migrate from their current desktop-based software to a web platform as well as on-going projects and features for their current applications.
The successful candidate will take an active role in planning projects and software features which will include requirements gathering, documentation, product backlog grooming, release, sprint planning, facilitating project ceremonies such as daily stand-ups, sprint reviews/show and tells and retrospectives.
The candidate should have a good understanding of Agile methodologies and the ability to introduce new ways of working to bolster and streamline our current processes in our effort for continuous improvement.
Hours of work: Flexitime available, core hours of 10am – 3pm Monday – Friday must be worked, and you must work 37.5 hours per week.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop a Comprehensive Understanding of Optix Products: Attain a deep, technical and functional knowledge of the Optix product suite, including its core software solutions, features, and underlying architecture. Leverage this expertise to ensure effective communication and alignment between business and technical teams.
- Bridge the Gap Between Business and Technology: Utilise your technical understanding of the product’s components and features to translate complex business needs into clear, actionable requirements for the Scrum development team. Facilitate clear communication of business objectives, product requirements, and priorities.
- Collaborate on Product Roadmap and Feature Prioritization: Work closely with Product Owners and the Product Manager to prioritise work items in alignment with the product roadmap. Ensure features are delivered in a way that maximises business value while adhering to the project timeline.
- Proactively Identify and Resolve Issues: Act as an early warning system for the team by identifying dependencies, blockers, or risks that could impact delivery. Communicate these issues promptly to the relevant stakeholders and work collaboratively to find resolutions.
- Facilitate Communication Between Stakeholders and Development Teams: Serve as a liaison between business stakeholders and the technical team, ensuring all parties are aligned on goals, expectations, and requirements. Clarify any ambiguities to avoid misunderstandings.
- Gather and Document Detailed Requirements: Partner with stakeholders and Product Owners to gather and define customer and business requirements. Translate these into detailed, actionable work items, including user stories, use cases, and acceptance criteria, that the development team can work from effectively.
- Active Participation in Scrum Ceremonies: Engage in Scrum ceremonies such as sprint planning, backlog refinement, and retrospectives. Assist the team in breaking down large, complex features into manageable work items and ensure a shared understanding of requirements.
- Support Development Throughout the Sprint: Collaborate with the development team during sprints to clarify requirements, address business and technical questions, and refine work items as needed to ensure smooth progress and successful sprint completion.
Key Skills and Experience:
- Experience using workflow management software.
- We use Azure DevOps/TFS but any relevant software JIRA etc
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills .
- Adaptable to a business environment with fast changing requirements and priorities.
- Experience working with multiple cross functional teams.
- Strong technical acumen with the ability to understand software architecture, product features, and development processes.
- Proven experience as a Business Analyst within Agile environments, particularly working within Scrum teams.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to mediate between stakeholders and development teams.
- Experience in writing clear, detailed user stories, use cases, and acceptance criteria.
- A collaborative mindset with a problem-solving approach to overcome blockers and challenges.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
- Solid skills effectively managing multiple small and large projects
- Experience in transaction systems
- Experience in health care systems
- Experience with software release management
- Degree within IT/Computing or Certified Professional or related experience.
- Coaching and mentoring of Business Analyst’s
In return, we will provide:
- Hybrid working with offices available in York if you want to come in. You need to work from the office two days per week
- Learning and development opportunities
- A positive, collaborative working environment
- Quarterly socials
- Holidays starting at 25 days, increasing up to 30 days, 1 day for each year of service
- Vitality Health
- Life Assurance Policy
- Pension scheme (4% employer contribution)
- Modern working facilities
- Pool/ Table Tennis available in the office
- On-site parking
- Pizza Thursdays on the last Thursday of the month
- Cycle to Work Scheme
About Optix:
Optix is the leading provider of business management software for Opticians in the UK. Our goal is to fulfil all our customer’s technology needs and deliver great software that enables opticians to run profitable businesses and provide excellent clinical care.
This includes the management of clinical processes, sensitive patient data, and integrating with complex medical equipment: alongside delivering comprehensive marketing, stock management, business intelligence, and financial management features.
We are trusted by hundreds of Opticians across the country, from small independent practices to large multi-nationals. Our success has been built on word-of-mouth from our extremely satisfied client base: we employ no salespeople and focus solely on developing quality products that sell themselves.
We work in a collaborative team where everyone’s input is welcomed and encouraged. As a member of our development team, you will also be expected to contribute towards the improvement of our organisation by proactively driving improvements in architecture, design, process, tooling, and strategy.
We value and encourage continual personal development within our teams and love learning new tech and are always on the lookout for better ways of doing things. We also provide training opportunities to help you improve your skills.
Interview Process:
- A video or face-to-face interview (preferred) which will be a mix of competency and technical questioning
- Depending on the role a technical test may be issued
Diversity Statement:
Optix Software Ltd is committed to equal opportunities in all aspects of our work. We are committed to treating all colleagues equally regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. We are committed to equal opportunities in all aspects of our work.
How to apply:
If you would like to be considered please send an updated copy of your CV to careers@optix.co.uk.