Systems Specialist - Business

Overview:

 At Macy’s, we’re moving fast—we’re at top speed to become America’s premiere Omni channel retailer.  Macy’s technology hub, Macy’s Systems and Technology (MST) strives to set the pace by providing seamless and compelling shopping experiences for our Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s customers. MST is creating innovative technology solutions to support these experiences and define the future of retailing. Macy's Inc. is the nation's largest operator of department stores with over 800 department store locations in 46 states.  

Business Analysis Function:

• Business analysts focus on the collection and documentation of business requirements that drive the design of business systems solutions.   They may also participate in business planning, needs analysis and business risk assessment, leading business process redesign, acclimating business processes to changes in technology and consulting with the customer on how to best support the business through the effective use of technology.

System Specialist Business Analysis:

• Expert Business Analyst with advanced expertise in a wide range of tools for process analysis and requirements development and documentation, and the proven ability to add value to multiple areas of the business by supporting the most complex (large work type 2 and work type 3) projects that typically involve multiple systems, new technologies, and multiple stakeholders who may have competing and/or conflicting needs. 

Key Accountability:

• Leads business analysis for the most complex projects that may impact multiple business areas, address complex processes, involve significant process analysis and redesign, entail significant business risk, apply new technologies and involve the integration of multiple systems. Identifies which tools/techniques are appropriate to lead the team through the process of understanding a business issue/need, how it is currently handled, and how it should be handled in the future.  
• Resolves conflicting/competing needs from different areas of the business, tactfully, and in a way that satisfies all parties.  
• Provides recommendations to users on appropriate solutions, along with guidance concerning the business implications of application development projects.
• Leads process improvement efforts to enhance business performance. Assists in evaluating new technologies that may enable business success.
• Ensures system and business requirements are met by monitoring available metrics and collecting feedback post-implementation.
• Provides implementation support, preparing the business for the system solution. Acts as a subject matter expert and supports train-the-trainer and other learning activities with Corporate Learning and Development and Business Partners.
• Serves as a coach and mentor to more junior Business Analysts. Delegates tasks as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Decision Making:

• Provides the final definition of the project requirements from a business perspective, including the deliverables required and the results expected, and obtains approval/sponsorship/support from the business.
• Recommends investments in new tools or the adoption of new processes/methodologies. 
• Realigns project efforts to ensure business requirements are met.
• Advises management on budgetary issues and negotiates a successful resolution.

Skills Summary:

• Maintains up to date and thorough knowledge of new developments in business analysis tools and techniques available in the marketplace.  Is able to identify applicable practices for MST and recommends new directions to management as appropriate.
• Possesses a broad understanding of current and emerging technologies, i.e., what is and what is not possible within the current and future applications and technical architectures.
• Understands how various new technologies can meet business needs, taking into account the business risks and benefits of adopting a new technology.
• Possesses good understanding of a variety of software development methodologies, and their implications for a project.
• Has good understanding of the overall business strategies and objectives of Macy’s, and factors them into decisions and recommendations.
• Has advanced knowledge of the strategic plans/initiatives of various business units, and/or can quickly come up to speed on the strategies and critical success factors for a business unit.
• Able to transform major business change initiatives into strategic level systems solutions.  Understands the business impact of different solutions, and can assess and communicate the tradeoffs between business needs, technology requirements, costs and risk.
• Maintains an understanding of business plans and strategies of competitors and of industry in general.
• Conducts complete diagnosis of most business problems, factoring in a strong understanding of the business processes and anticipating implementation obstacles.
• Capable of helping users clarify, develop, and plan for their current and future technology needs.
• Conceives of and designs projects that typically require extensive systems integration, large teams and multiple technical platforms, multiple stakeholders with potentially competing needs, and with substantial risk and implications for the business.
• Performs risk assessment and develops a contingency plan with possible alternatives and a recommendation when unanticipated situations arise.
• Leads the business analysis phase of a project, often providing direction to more junior resources.   Typically works on large work type 2 and work type 3 projects.
• Responsible for developing business case and presenting to management.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred and 8-10 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This job description is not all inclusive. Macy’s Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.