Business Process Analyst, CFSO

The Business Process Analyst at Penumbra plays a crucial role in analyzing business processes and requirements. Key responsibilities include collaborating with business partners, managing projects, facilitating change management, optimizing systems, and developing test plans to ensure high-quality operations. This role bridges multiple departments to create cohesive solutions, enhancing the functionality of the Customer and Field Support Operations.

Candidates for the Business Process Analyst role at Penumbra should hold a Bachelor's degree in business, IT, or a related field, accompanied by at least 5 years of relevant experience. Expertise in SAP is essential, along with familiarity with the OTC process, especially in regulated settings like medical devices or pharmaceuticals. Strong communication and organizational skills will significantly contribute to your success in this role.

While it's not strictly mandatory, having experience in the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biotech industries is highly desirable for the Business Process Analyst at Penumbra. This background aids in understanding the unique challenges and regulatory requirements that come with working within a highly regulated environment, allowing you to design more effective processes.

The Business Process Analyst role at Penumbra is based in a general office environment in Alameda, CA. The position may require some physical activities, such as lifting items up to 25 pounds or moving between buildings. The analyst must be comfortable using office equipment and engaging in extensive computer work, making adaptability in a collaborative workspace essential.

Expertise in various tools and systems is vital for a Business Process Analyst at Penumbra. Proficiency in SAP, GHX, and Salesforce is highly desirable. Additionally, strong skills in MS Office applications, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, will enhance your ability to articulate analysis and present findings effectively.

When analyzing a business process, start by identifying the specific objectives and key stakeholders involved. Gather data through interviews or document reviews to map current workflows. Evaluate the efficiency of each step and look for bottlenecks or redundancies that can be eliminated. Following that, recommend actionable improvements and establish metrics to measure success.

Effective prioritization is crucial when managing multiple projects. I typically assess each project based on urgency and impact, creating a detailed schedule that allocates resources accordingly. Regular check-ins help keep stakeholders informed and ensure timely progress. Utilizing project management tools can streamline this process, allowing for effective tracking and communication.

To promote effective communication among departments, I advocate for regular meetings and establish clear channels for dialogue. Creating shared documentation, like project plans or status reports, can enhance transparency. Additionally, serving as a liaison, I ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, facilitating smooth collaboration across teams.

In one particular project, we encountered significant resistance to change from stakeholders. I addressed this by facilitating open discussions to understand their concerns better, which allowed me to tailor our approach and demonstrate the project's benefits. Engaging stakeholders early and often proved crucial in overcoming this challenge and ultimately led to successful implementation.

I employ a comprehensive testing strategy that includes developing test plans based on predetermined success criteria. Utilizing both automated and manual testing methods helps ensure the system works as intended. Following testing, I facilitate user acceptance testing with end-users, collecting feedback to make necessary adjustments before full implementation.

When faced with data discrepancies, I start by verifying the information sources to ensure accuracy. I collaborate with relevant teams to identify the root cause and determine if the issue lies within the data collection methods or the analysis phase. Building a clear communication line ensures that all stakeholders are aware and engaged in resolving these discrepancies swiftly.

To develop a compelling business case, I begin by conducting a thorough needs assessment, gathering qualitative and quantitative data to support proposed changes. I then highlight the expected benefits, such as ROI and performance improvements, while addressing potential risks. Crafting a clear and engaging presentation helps stakeholders visualize the value of the proposal.

I regularly follow industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in professional associations related to business process analysis. Networking with other professionals provides valuable insights and exposure to new tools, technologies, and methodologies. Furthermore, I encourage feedback sessions within my team to constantly refine our practices based on collective experiences.

I lean towards tools like Asana or Trello for project management due to their user-friendly interfaces and collaboration features. These platforms allow for clear task assignments, tracking progress, and ensuring accountability among team members. Utilizing Gantt charts can also provide visual timelines that help keep projects on track.

My experience with SAP has allowed me to understand its impact on various business processes deeply. I've worked primarily on optimizing the Order to Cash (OTC) process, where I focused on integrating sales, finance, and reporting functions. This knowledge enables me to align SAP capabilities with business requirements effectively for improved operational performance.