We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. Over the past few years, we've made significant investments in our data and tech capabilities, particularly within our CIO function. Our CIO team is at the forefront of driving innovation and ensuring our technology infrastructure supports our ambitious goals. We’ve nurtured our 4Cs culture, fostering collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.

We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues. The CIO team plays a crucial role in this journey, working on cutting-edge projects that enhance our digital presence and improve customer engagement.

We provide insurance to over four million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure, we would love to hear from you. Our CIO team is always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference and contribute to our success.

At Hastings Direct, digital change moves fast—and we’re looking for a Lead Business Analyst who thrives in this kind of environment. You’ll bring clarity to ambiguity, balance competing priorities, and help shape smarter, more intuitive digital experiences for our customers. This role is central to how we define and deliver requirements across our mobile and web journeys, ensuring decisions are grounded in real user needs and lead to high‑quality outcomes.

As a Lead BA, you’ll guide the analysis and design of key customer journeys across areas such as New Business, Self Service, policy and claims, and our core digital capabilities. You’ll lead and develop a team of BAs and Junior BAs, driving structure, pace and alignment from early discovery through to delivery. Beyond day‑to‑day delivery, you’ll influence programme direction, shape early strategic thinking, and play a major role in growing and maturing our Business Analysis capability across the organisation.

What you will be doing:

• Provide strategic guidance by partnering with Product and Digital leadership—shaping options, validating feasibility, and ensuring decisions are rooted in user, business, and technical insight.
• Accountable for end-to-end discovery and analysis, breaking down high‑level ideas into meaningful requirements and framing clear problem statements for digital initiatives.
• Turn strategy into delivery by collaborating with architects, UX/UI designers, product owners, and engineering teams to develop practical, scalable digital solutions.
• Drive programme-level leadership, influencing scope, prioritisation, sequencing, and managing risks, dependencies, and integration points across complex digital portfolios.
• Build and develop a high‑performing BA community, coaching BAs, maintaining analysis standards, supporting recruitment/onboarding, and championing continuous improvement.
• Embed a data-driven, user-centred mindset, using design thinking and experimentation to ensure solutions are measurable, insight-led, and focused on user value.

What we’re looking for:

You’ll need:

• extensive digital BA experience, shaping analysis across all phases of the software delivery lifecycle.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a methodical and curious mindset.
• Clear, concise communicator able to simplify complex concepts for varied audiences.
• Confident leader and coach, with experience developing and supporting BA teams (around ten BAs).
• Effective at influencing senior stakeholders, especially in ambiguous or high‑pressure situations.
• Experienced in Agile (SAFe or similar) and comfortable operating with traditional delivery methods too.
• Calm, outcome‑focused approach, maintaining stability when challenges arise.
• Familiar with backlog management tools (e.g., Jira, Octane) and knowledgeable about digital platforms or app‑based journeys.
• High learning agility, staying current with emerging tools, techniques, and industry trends—and sharing knowledge across the BA community.

What we offer

Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company, and community. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training and development you need. Not to mention plenty of recognition and rewards, and the scope to voice your ideas and put them into practice.

Reward

Salary – Attractive salary based on experience + Car Allowance

Competitive Bonus Scheme - All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings’ performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.

Flexible Working – We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.

Physical Wellbeing – We like to help our colleagues take a proactive approach in keeping themselves well, that’s why we fund our colleagues to be able to claim against everyday health care through our healthcare cash plan.

Financial Wellbeing – As well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an AWARD WINNING package which includes – discounts and cashback

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

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