Business Analyst

Overview

We are seeking an experienced IT Business Analyst to support a large-scale transformation programme involving merger and acquisition activity, system harmonisation, technology optimisation and business integration initiatives.

The primary objective of this initial engagement is to create a comprehensive seven-layer IT architecture model, documenting the current-state landscape and helping to define a target-state architecture that supports future business objectives. This work will form a foundational component of a wider two-year transformation programme.

This role requires a Business Analyst with strong technical understanding, architecture modelling experience, and the ability to engage effectively with both business and technology stakeholders.

Location: Cardiff (Onsite)

Engagement: 3 days per week

Contract Length: Initial 6-month contract

Day Rate: Up to £500

Programme Duration: Approximately 2 years

Reporting To: Programme Lead / Transformation Director

Scope of Work

The successful contractor will lead discovery activities across the organisation to develop a complete view of the technology estate and its interdependencies.

A key deliverable is the creation and documentation of a seven-layer IT architecture model, including:

Physical Layer

• Document physical infrastructure, connectivity, hardware assets and communications links.
• Identify dependencies between sites, network devices and infrastructure components.

Data Link Layer

• Analyse network protocols, switching environments and connectivity mechanisms.
• Assess reliability, performance and resilience considerations.

Network Layer

• Map network architecture, routing, addressing and network segmentation.
• Document internal and external connectivity requirements.

Transport Layer

• Assess communication methods and protocols supporting application and business services.
• Identify performance and reliability considerations.

Session Layer

• Document system-to-system communications and session management requirements.
• Analyse integration dependencies across platforms.

Presentation Layer

• Review data transformation, encryption, security and presentation mechanisms.
• Document data exchange standards and interoperability requirements.

Application Layer

• Create an inventory of business applications and services.
• Map business capabilities to applications.
• Identify duplication, consolidation and harmonisation opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate workshops with business and technical stakeholders.
• Capture and document current-state processes, applications and infrastructure.
• Develop architecture artefacts, process maps and dependency models.
• Produce stakeholder-ready architecture documentation and reports.
• Identify opportunities for system rationalisation and optimisation.
• Support merger and acquisition integration activities.
• Analyse gaps between current and future-state operating models.
• Work closely with programme leadership to define transformation roadmaps.
• Support business case development and technology investment decisions.
• Maintain architecture and application inventories throughout the engagement.

Essential Experience:

• Proven experience as an IT Business Analyst within complex technology transformation programmes.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, organisational integration or business transformation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture principles.
• Experience documenting application landscapes and technology estates.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and workshop facilitation skills.
• Ability to bridge business and technical teams effectively.
• Experience producing architecture diagrams, process maps and requirements documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience within asset-intensive, operationally complex or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF.
• Experience with application rationalisation and system harmonisation programmes.
• Knowledge of cloud, hybrid infrastructure and modern workplace technologies.
• Experience supporting large-scale organisational change and technology integration initiatives.

Programme Context:

This engagement forms part of a broader two-year transformation initiative focused on:

• Mergers and acquisitions integration
• System harmonisation
• Technology consolidation
• Operational optimisation
• Future-state architecture development