Lead Business Analyst

Job summary

At FCDO Services, we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.

Job description

Our Digital and Data technology team are at the forefront of digital innovation. They provide the best in-class solutions for our customers, helping to shape and support a data-driven future for the UK government. Whether it’s creating bespoke, secure software, offering programme and application support or moving an entire embassy’s servers to a Cloud platform. No matter the task, they are on hand to support. Now, you’ve got the opportunity to join them.

Providing innovation to government partners.
Delivering best-in-class solutions.
Working at the cutting-edge of technology
It all matters.

Provide high quality business analysis in this unique, fast-paced role

In the key position of Lead Business Analyst, you’ll be responsible for the delivery of high quality analysis across a wide range of projects, establishing standards, template and output assurance while ensuring you and your team maintain consistency, traceability and alignment with the Government’s Digital and Data Profession Capability frameworks. Committed to supporting robust and cost-effective solutions to the needs of our business and the users who rely on us, you’ll produce reusable business artefacts and work on the analysis of business rules, data models and user documentation. In addition, we’ll also expect you to drive delivery by translating complex business needs into testable requirements.

As a motivational mentor and leader, you’ll represent our business group at governance boards, committees and design authorities, work with a diverse range of stakeholders, and inspire your dedicated team of Analysts to develop their technical and strategic skills, Offering an expert consultancy service and collaborating with third-party suppliers to review requirements, manage dependencies and maintain standards, you’ll have a strong focus on managing risk, compliance and change. And we’ll also expect you to monitor delivery metrics, feedback and data, evolve business analysis methods and promote evidence-based decision making as you drive performance and continuous improvement.

Use all your analytical skills as you help us achieve our global mission

To be a success in this significant, fast-paced role you’ll possess the skills to translate business needs into well-defined user stories and requirements, be ready to perform ‘as-is’ and ‘to-be’ business process mapping, and possess the ability to carry out gap analysis and translate your findings into change plans. With a track record of collaborating with senior leaders and stakeholders and the confidence to develop, mentor and manage your less experienced colleagues, we’ll also look for the ability to lead business analysis, service design and deliver complex IT or digital services.

When it comes to formal qualifications you should have a degree in Computer Science or Information Technology, professional level certifications in Business Analysis, or equivalent hands-on experience. It goes without saying that you’ll have the ability to design secure or air-gapped platforms within the government sector, and it’s also important that you have well developed knowledge of NCSC, GDS, and UK government security frameworks, including Secure by Design, Cloud Security Principles, Government Functional Standards, and the Technology Code of Practice. A collaborative and confident communicator, you should also be ready to lead co-design workshops and apply human-centred design methods to solve challenging and complex problems.

Discover the support you need to grow your career

Working with us, you’ll help keep people, information, and assets safe around the world. It’s a role you can feel proud of, and we aim to make every part of your career just as rewarding. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It's a great set of benefits made to support all you do and all you need.

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. This role is a reserved post and applications are only being accepted from single nationality candidates and not dual nationals. You can find out more about vetting on our website: https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/

To find out more about our benefits and our organisation, please visit fcdoservicescareers.co.uk

Closing date: 15/11/2026

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Person specification

We are looking for people with:

• Commercial Awareness
• Degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or Information Technology.
• Holds professional level certifications in Business Analysis (e.g. BCS, IIBA, or equivalent), ITIL (Foundation or higher, Lean Six Sigma, TOGAF, AgilePM, or equivalent experience.
• You will be able to translate business needs into well-defined user stories and actionable requirements, maintaining clear traceability through design, build, and delivery.
• You will have performed ‘as-is’ and ‘to-be’ business process mapping, carried out gap analysis, and translated findings into actionable change plans.
• Conduct ‘as-is’ and ‘to-be’ process mapping/user stories and support prioritisation using structured techniques such as MoSCoW.
• Experience leading and line managing Business Analysts, providing direction, coaching, and professional development to build capability and excellence across functions.
• Track record of deputising for senior technology leaders, engaging with senior stakeholders and governance forums to provide clear, evidence-based business analysis advice.
• Contributed to business case development with analysis and evidence.

Qualifications

Degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or Information Technology.

Holds professional level certifications in Business Analysis (e.g. BCS, IIBA, or equivalent), ITIL (Foundation or higher, Lean Six Sigma, TOGAF, AgilePM, or equivalent experience.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or Information Technology.
• Holds professional level certifications in Business Analysis (e.g. BCS, IIBA, or equivalent), ITIL (Foundation or higher, Lean Six Sigma, TOGAF, AgilePM, or equivalent experience.
• You will be able to translate business needs into well-defined user stories and actionable requirements, maintaining clear traceability through design, build, and delivery.
• You will have performed ‘as-is’ and ‘to-be’ business process mapping, carried out gap analysis, and translated findings into actionable change plans.
• Conduct ‘as-is’ and ‘to-be’ process mapping/user stories and support prioritisation using structured techniques such as MoSCoW.
• Experience leading and line managing Business Analysts, providing direction, coaching, and professional development to build capability and excellence across functions.
• Track record of deputising for senior technology leaders, engaging with senior stakeholders and governance forums to provide clear, evidence-based business analysis advice.
• Contributed to business case development with analysis and evidence.

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or Information Technology.
• Holds professional level certifications in Business Analysis (e.g. BCS, IIBA, or equivalent), ITIL (Foundation or higher, Lean Six Sigma, TOGAF, AgilePM, or equivalent experience.
• You will be able to translate business needs into well-defined user stories and actionable requirements, maintaining clear traceability through design, build, and delivery.
• Experience leading and line managing Business Analysts, providing direction, coaching, and professional development to build capability and excellence across functions.
• Contributed to business case development with analysis and evidence.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £62,561, FCDO Services contributes £18,123 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service pension.
• Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
• 9 days per annum public and privilege days

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

To apply for this role, you will be asked to provide your CV, a personal statement, and provide answers to some job specific/technical skills.

Your CV and personal statement will not form part of the assessment they will provide an insight into your work history and experience.

Your CV should include:

• no personal identifying details
• career history with key responsibilities
• achievements
• qualifications

Your personal statement should outline your interest in the role.

Candidates will only be sifted on answers provided to the technical/ job specific questions which are outlined in the application form.

Those that are successful will be invited to a Face to face interview.

At the interview you will be asked a blend of questions on technical/job specific skills and behaviours.

Candidates who are judged to be close to meeting the criteria may be considered for other positions in FCDO Services which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : FCDO Services Recruitment Team
• Email : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact FCDOServices.Recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk in the first instance.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from FCDO Services, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. For more information, please visit their website.

Attachments

Candidate pack Lead Business Analyst Opens in new window (pdf, 1852kB)