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Business Analyst and Portfolio Lead: Learning Services
Pearson
Za Cape Town, , South Africa
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Description
At Pearson, we’re committed to a world that’s always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best, whether it’s one child in our own backyard or an education community across the globe. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to always be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology — and each other to surpass these boundaries — we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world’s innovations, personal and global, large and small.
Job Purpose
Collate and facilitate multiple workflows and/or projects in Learning Services aligned to the Product Life Cycle which includes a high level of data analysis to enable the Learning Services leadership team to work proactively and efficiently. The role reports to the Learning Services Executive Director and will work closely with the Learning Services Senior Leadership team and across other business areas where appropriate to the project or workflow.
Key Accountabilities
• Identify, manage and track the Learning Services programme portfolio to meet the strategic objectives of PSA
• Have oversight of what work is happening where, and analyse if resources are being utilised optimally, and in alignment with the Product Life Cycle process and current workflow and projects in flight
• Consolidate portfolio data into a single source for tracking and decision-making purposes across Learning Services, facilitating the mobilisation, execution and closing of projects
• Drive delivery of action points and deadlines to ensure that required information is provided timeously and can be actioned effectively
• Provide monthly reports and/or presentations to the Learning Services Executive and SLT on the portfolio status; escalations and recommendation to stop-start-continue
• Provide ad-hoc information on Portfolio as requested by Exec or Growth team and other entities
• Collaborate across the relevant business areas and SLT to support decision making and information sharing; this may include liaising with Growth and global teams
• Facilitate that all key stakeholder groups are involved throughout the project lifecycle, supporting the transition into Operations business as usual and escalate to the Learning Services Exec Director and SLT where needed
• Coordinate operational and administrative activities across agreed Learning Services’ projects under the remit of this role
• Form and maintain internal relationships with teams and support functions to ensure smooth day-to-day running of operations
• Entering and maintaining data in internal systems, including project metadata when required and accurately capture data
• Feedback and follow up on workflow and status of all projects as needed (daily/weekly) and escalate issues as needed
• Communicate inefficiencies and challenges in systems or processes and proposed solutions
• Ensure follow-up and completion of all required tasks and proactively communicate any issues or required changes
• Work flexibly across the matrix structure to support Learning Services’ business priorities
• Plan and define the end-to-end project to achieve outcomes based on best practice programme management techniques
• Ensure dependency mapping between projects into the rest of the Learning Services’ projects
• Ensure there is project governance implemented across Learning Services
Core Competencies
• High level of analysis required and understanding of the learning services business
• Excellent problem-solving skills required and ability to seek solutions
• Excellent communication, leadership, organisation, research and team-work skills required
• Proficient in process mapping applications
• Project management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite/Google products
• Proven ability to think logically and apply structured thinking and modelling to problems
• Critical thinking and an analytical approach with an inherent passion for continual improvement
• Accurate, efficient and organised, with attention to detail
• Excellent collaboration skills to work across teams, and with internal and external contacts
• Interpersonal skills and team oriented
• Effective and confident in conflict resolution
• Ability and understanding of how to work with virtual teams and the ability to pull together complex solutions under a single programme
• Good time-management skills and ability to prioritise tasks
• Customer-focused with good telephone and business writing skills
• Ability to support multiple people and cope with competing demands and to prioritise tasks
• Communicates effectively (written and verbal) with peers, project team, sponsor/s and Steering Committee, with a strong command of English
• High levels of resilience and energy, with an ability to work under pressure as business will require quick solutions
• Open, enthusiastic attitude promoting confidence and credibility with peers, project team, sponsors and other stakeholders
• Driven towards effective execution and implementation of all projects
• Flexible and adaptable attitude when dealing with constant change
• Ability to take responsibility and accountability of tasks, and conscientiously see them to completion
Experience
• 5 to 8 years’ experience in business analysis and project management and within a learning services environment and/or product development business
• Experience in working in an Agile environment would be an advantage
Qualifications
Tertiary qualification. Post-graduate qualification preferable
Pearson South Africa is committed to the principles of Employment Equity and in accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and subsequent amendments thereto.