Sr Business Operations Specialist

About the job

Are you a problem solver, explorer, and knowledge seeker always asking, “What if?”

If so, you may be the new team member we’re looking for. Because at SAS, your curiosity matters – whether you’re developing algorithms, creating customer experiences, or answering critical questions. Curiosity is our code, and the opportunities here are endless.

What we do

We’re the leader in analytics. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. Our curiosity fuels innovation, pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo and changing the way we live.

What you’ll do

SAS Managed Cloud Services (MCS) Business Operations team adds value to our hosting and remote managed services using the latest technologies to continuously improve customer experience and optimize operational efficiencies. Engages in a role that directly supports Business Operations to achieve the strategic goals of the organization. Leverages domain and industry expertise. Performs research, analysis, and coordination in support of divisional activities on initiatives such as budgeting, project and communication management, policy and procedure development, and strategic planning. Provides problem solving and/or troubleshooting on company systems or processes. Interacts with internal staff, Business Units, subcontractors, and applicable departments at SAS.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manages and/or supports the development and execution of business strategies and/or programs; aligns scope with strategic business objectives and regularly report on status to management.
• Provides leadership and direction to support development and execution of business strategies and initiatives; coordinates activities with other business units within the company; establishes operating rhythm of the business to ensure the organization is running effectively and efficiently to meet goals and objectives.
• Identifies and analyses the business needs of the department or business unit to develop plans for continuous improvement and to help determine solutions to business problems.
• Engages in the project life cycle implementation process to facilitate and support the successful delivery (i.e., resource requests, contracts reviews, service agreements/work orders, project plans, invoices, etc); manages operational tasks associated with project delivery.
• Investigates options, recommends courses of action and drives implementation of initiatives related to continuous improvement, streamlining operations, and service delivery readiness and capabilities.
• Defines and implements standards and best practices to foster collaboration across all areas of the organization.
• Provides resources to facilitate and enhance the value and quality of project delivery (i.e. training/learning, knowledge sharing, etc.).
• Reviews, analyses and synthesizes policies, processes and guidance documents to facilitate understanding and usage by the business.
• Leverages internal knowledge of corporate tools/systems, processes/procedures, methodologies and best practices to support the business.
• Create and produce business reports and analysis on relevant areas of the organization and share them with appropriate stakeholders.
• Builds relationships with customers, internal clients, project dependencies, and stakeholder influences that characterize partnership, cooperation and trust.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collect and analyses standard and non-standard data related to assigned projects/programs.
• Independently manages a key aspect of one or more programs.
• Continually monitors effectiveness of projects/programs and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Builds a business case for potential process and/or procedure solutions and completes cost/benefit analyses as support.
• Independently recommends process improvement audits and/or operational reviews for management consideration.
• Provides guidance to less experienced team members.

What we’re looking for

Education and Experience

• Curious, Passionate, Authentic, and Accountable. These are our values and influence everything we do.
• Bachelor's degree in a business, marketing, or computer science-related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Overall 12+ Years of experience in Information Technology and Project Management.
• 8+ years of experience in business operations, management consulting, or a related field
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and identify trends
• Able to meet the associated challenges of different cultures, work practices and time zones

Required Skills

Must have:

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and related applications
• Ability to lead project teams and gain consensus
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• The ability to analyze data, evaluate processes, and identify opportunities for improvement is crucial
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Excellent knowledge and competence in related business functional area
• Strong accounting, math and analytical skills
• Excellent negotiation, facilitation, and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Ability to analyse solutions for business operations environment
• Ability to manage budgeting process and analyse budget performance
• Ability to design and support improvement processes
• Ability to perform well under pressure; ability to prioritize projects and adhere to deadlines
• Ability to give attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to travel as, as needed

The Nice to Haves

• Experience working with Oracle Fusion
• Proficiency in ServiceNow, other ITSM Tools
• Understanding of financial metrics and budgeting processes
• Knowledge around Lifecycle management
• Demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional projects with successful outcomes
• Experience with Business continuity- develop and refine business continuity strategies

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy, while maintaining a solid awareness of the ‘big picture’.
• Ability to communicate with global peers and management in a clear, straightforward, and effective way.
• Strong analytic and deductive reasoning skills.
• Knowledge of data science technology and architecture.
• Ability to support global external and internal customers, negotiating any challenges presented by different cultures, work practices, and time zones.
• Ability to work flexible business hours as required by global customers/business needs.
• Communicate clearly and efficiently with internal and external stakeholders, highlighting any risks or blockers with recommendations to remediate and work around identified issues.
• Identify, design, and implement new initiatives designed to ensure long-term customer success and value.
• Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Engineer solutions to ensure scalability, reliability, and performance.