Lead Business Analyst

Lead Business Analyst (SC Cleared) – (Aerospace & Defence) Reading HQ 3-4 days a week SC Clearance is essential Up to £104 p/h Inside IR35 We’re looking for an experienced security cleared Lead Business Analyst to play a key role in shaping and delivering digital transformation within a highly secure aerospace and defence environment. This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a Business Analysis function from the ground up, driving standards, influencing senior stakeholders, and delivering impactful digital solutions across core business areas. As the Lead Business Analyst, you will set the direction for requirements definition and business analysis across multiple workstreams, including HR, Finance, and Programme Management. Essential Skills & Experience • Active SC Clearance (required) • Strong experience in aerospace, defence, or secure government environments • Experience building or scaling a BA function • Proven track record leading Business Analysis teams on digital transformation programmes • Expertise in Agile methodologies and requirements management techniques • Excellent stakeholder management skills, including senior leadership engagement • Experience working with suppliers and third-party delivery partners • Familiarity with tools such as Azure DevOps (or similar) Key Responsibilities • Define and implement the approach to requirements gathering, analysis, and documentation • Build and lead a high-performing Business Analysis team, setting standards and ways of working • Mentor and develop Business Analysts at varying levels of experience • Partner with Product leadership to shape the vision for digital solutions • Ensure quality and consistency of BA outputs and solution alignment • Engage with senior stakeholders (including C-suite and Heads of Function) to drive alignment and prioritisation • Oversee supplier outputs to ensure alignment with business needs • Develop pragmatic and creative solutions in complex environments • Contribute to solution design across business functions such as Finance, HR, and Programme Management