Lead Business Analyst

Location(s)

Chicago, Illinois

Details

Kemper is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. Our success is a direct reflection of the talented and diverse people who make a positive difference in the lives of our customers every day. We believe a high-performing culture, valuable opportunities for personal development and professional challenge, and a healthy work-life balance can be highly motivating and productive. Kemper’s products and services are making a real difference to our customers, who have unique and evolving needs. By joining our team, you are helping to provide an experience to our stakeholders that delivers on our promises. 

Position Summary:

The Lead Business Analyst conducts business research/analysis. Reviews systems, processes and technologies on a project basis to provide an overall analysis with recommendations for process, system and technology improvements. Provides analysis to department management with appropriate solutions to reduce costs, recommend automations and promote efficiency within the department. Under direct supervision, oversees projects of various complexity or phases of larger projects for multiple lines of business.   

Must have the ability to develop strong working relationships with all impacted teams they interface with on a daily basis.  Serve as ambassador role for both business and technical areas.

Position Responsibilities:

• Acts as a mentor/trainer for other Analysts. Attends various business meetings with or in lieu of Manager.
• Oversees project management, business analysis and Underwriting efforts on behalf of multiple lines of business. Maintains focus on enhancing the customer experience, increasing Written Premium and controlling expenses.
• Guides a team to identify business needs and develop solutions. Monitors and reports on progress of the projects to all stakeholders.
• Provides oversight of formal business plans and technical documentation for new and existing applications and systems, whether developed internally or vendor managed. Facilitates the definition of project scope, goals, and deliverables. Ensures that project plans are developed. Provides direction and support to project team. Ensures effective development, implementation, monitoring and control of the necessary procedures and service levels to ensure timely, effective and efficient UW in accordance with company and state guidelines. Develops, coordinates and implements training and cross-training programs for the Department based on needs. Works closely with Compliance and Product Management to develop proper Underwriting and Processing guidelines to ensure compliance with state statutes.
• Presents reports defining progress, problems and solutions for all areas of responsibility.
• Assists in preparation of the annual budget for assigned areas.
• Travel may be required.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Eight (8) or more years of business analyst experience (preferred) and
• At least four (4) years insurance experience supporting the designated product line preferred
• Education equivalent to a college degree in an information technology related or business administration related discipline, supplemented by insurance or computer related courses/knowledge, or the equivalent in related work experience.

Required Skills:

• Must have strong critical thinking, organizational and above average written/verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with business processes related controls and procedures as well as improvement initiatives.
• Position requires the ability to work effectively amidst constant interruptions.
• The ability to manage numerous projects at one time.
• Pressure to complete projects in a timely manner and ensure a high quality.
• Ability to understand and develop business requirements and work with staff at all levels to implement improvements to processes and tools. Ability to communicate (verbal and written) complex technical concepts to Information Technology, other Business Units and front line employees in ways each group will understand. Must have above average attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong PC skills, including proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Power Point. Microsoft Access, SQL, VBA, BI Reporting, or similar experience preferred

The range for this position is $86,200 to $143,600. When determining candidate offers, we consider experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location among other factors. This job is eligible for an annual discre