SECU is seeking a Business Optimization Specialist. This is a hybrid position, so candidates must reside within commuting distance to our Linthicum Heights, MD office.

The Business Optimization Specialist will support SECU by performing deep dive, hands-on, analysis of existing SECU business processes across the enterprise, identifying areas for improvement and implementing end to end solutions that improve operational efficiency, effectiveness and reduced friction for members and employees. This role involves working intimately with various departments across the enterprise to do discovery, gather requirements, analyze data, and independently provide actionable insights that deliver improved business outcomes around people, process and technology.

A day in your life might include:

• Requirements Gathering: Collaborate closely with analysts, business stakeholders and end users to gather and document business problems, develop requirements, user stories and deploy solutions based on data and metrics.
• Data Collection and Documentation: Use internal and external 3rd party data, root cause analysis and improvement recommendation development, including the design and implementation of trials to collect additional data, validation of data collected, and selection of appropriate methods to recommend optimized solutions that drive positive, effective business outcomes. Apply an iterative approach to arrive at value added outcomes early.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed reports and presentations for management, summarizing findings, recommendations and metrics demonstrating effectiveness of proposed optimized solutions that prove business value add using data. Document areas of possible improvement to drive ongoing iterative, continuous improvement.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify inefficiencies, high friction, ineffective processes and develop strategies that deliver positive business outcomes that add measurable business value.
• Project Management: Manage and support SECU programs, projects and individual tasks from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain effective multi-modal communication with stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for proposed optimized solutions. Use excellent communication skills to convey complex concepts to stakeholders that have different subject matter expertise.
• Collaboration: Work effectively in cross-functional teams while independently leading optimization initiatives.
• Compliance: Ensure all business processes comply with relevant regulations and standards. Support the identification and development of new policies and procedures needed resulting from optimization efforts.
• This is not meant to be a full list of responsibilities and duties. Other duties will be assigned

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree: Degrees in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.

Experience Requirements

• Work Experience: 3-5 years of experience in business analysis, process improvement, or a related field within the financial sector. Previous work experience in the retail or operations space of a financial institution is desired.
• Project Management: Experience in leading, managing and executing optimization projects, including change management, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement and developing metrics to document the business value obtained, e.g., cost cuts, productivity improvements, revenue generation, etc.
• Data Collection and Documentation: Experience in using internal and external industry 3rd party data collection, root cause analysis and improvement recommendation development, including the design and implementation of trials to collect additional data, validation of data collected, and selection of appropriate methods to validate a process improvement where applicable.
• Optimization Techniques: Knowledge of optimization algorithms, process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma), and financial modeling.
• Documentation Software Tools: Familiarity with office software such as process drawing and presentation tools, e.g., MS Visio and MS PowerPoint (MS Office)
• Process Improvement: Familiarity with developing and implementing strategies that optimize business processes and improve operational effectiveness.

Soft Skills

• Communication: Excellent communication skills to convey complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and to adequately and clearly articulate the measurable value derived from the optimization efforts and execution.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and independently lead initiatives.
• Influence: Ability to get along with different personalities and navigate or effectively negotiate in situations where there may be disagreements in solutions or resistance to change based on data and metrics to support the solution.
• Compliance: General understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance standards within the financial industry. Ensure those standards are understood, followed and documented where required to prove compliance.
• Certifications in relevant areas such as Lean Six Sigma, PMP (Project Management Professional), or other industry-recognized credentials preferred but not required.

Compensation Information: Offers will be commensurate with experience and education. Please Note: We typically hire near to the mid-point, which is $95,900.

• Salary: Min. $73,800 – Max. $118,000

Other Compensation Includes:

• Annual corporate-wide incentive

We provide comprehensive benefits, with a focus on total well-being:

• Medical, vision, dental benefits
• 401k plan with company matching
• Generous sick, vacation and personal leave
• And more...2024SECUBenefitsGuide.pdf

SECU is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce where all individuals are valued and respected. We take pride in providing equal opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.