Anna Sophia Watkins
Business Analyst
Summary
Dynamic Business Analyst with over 15 years of experience in the retail industry, as well as experience in Asset Management and Health IT Industries. Skilled in gathering and defining business requirements, facilitating user acceptance testing (UAT), and leading end-to-end implementations that streamline operations and enhance customer experience. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new systems and committed to delivering data-driven solutions that align with business goals. Proven track record working in both corporate and Technology-oriented environments.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Business Analyst
Pick n Pay
7 2008 - Current
- Understanding Business Needs: Worked closely with stakeholders (retail operations managers, human resource teams, and finance departments) to understand their goals, pain points, and requirements for new systems or enhancements
- Requirements Gathering and Analysis: Collaborated with stakeholders across the retail organization to understand and document IT needs, ranging from backend systems like Workday, IdentityNow, to customer-facing applications like e-commerce platforms
- Process Mapping and Optimisation: Used tools like process maps in ARIS to document current processes, identifying inefficiencies and optimize workflows, suggesting improvements that reduce administrative time and enhance employee experience through the implementation of back-end systems such as IdentityNow, Workday, Kronos and Blue Yonder Space Planning
- Test Planning: Developed and executed test plans for new HR and Contract Management systems, ensuring they meet the specified requirements and function as expected in the retail environment and support office
- Coordination with End Users: Collaborated with end users, like store staff, workforce managers and inventory managers, to gather feedback on the system's functionality, identify issues, and ensure usability
- Stakeholder Management: Regularly communicated project status, timelines, and key milestones to stakeholders, managing expectations and aligning everyone on project goals and progress
- Project Management Support: Assisted in coordinating projects by creating timelines, tracking progress, and ensuring that deliverables meet both business and technical requirements
- IT Graduate Program: Successfully managed the IT Graduate program, ensuring graduates successfully completed the program with practical skills, confidence, and a solid understanding of the organization's IT infrastructure, systems, and tools
- BA Team Management: Oversee a team of business analysts, providing guidance, feedback, and support to foster their professional development
- Assign business analysts to projects based on their expertise and project needs, ensuring optimal resource allocation
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, set goals, and provide constructive feedback to improve individual and team performance
Project Manager
Pick n Pay
03.2018 - 11.2019
- Project Management: Successfully managed a portfolio of projects to facilitate the provision of electricity purchases on the Mobile App as well as enabling Online Smart Shopper Discounts
Business Analyst
Old Mutual
07.2007 - 06.2008
- Requirements Gathering and Analysis: Analysed and documented product and data warehouse requirements
- System Research and Analysis: Based my M.IT thesis case study on the Old Mutual Management Information System
Business Analyst/Project Manager
Advantage Asset Managers
07.2006 - 06.2007
- Requirements Gathering and Analysis: Responsible for managing and scoping business requirements and documenting technical solution requirements for new asset management tool
- Functional Analysis and Testing: Producing Functional Specifications, drafting of user and system test cases and strategic analysis to inform, manage, and drive stakeholder expectations
Business/Systems Analyst
Discovery Healthy (Destiny Systems-USA)
09.2004 - 06.2006
- Functional Analysis and Testing Analysis & design for a new workflow system across the USA Destiny Health system to streamline claim procedures and administrative processes
- Solution Design and Analysis: Designing a Vitality Solution for the USA Destiny Health System
- System Analysis: Conducting system error analysis, creation of use cases for new USA Health products, system and user testing, system emergency issues
Business Analyst
HealthBridge
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Requirements Analysis and Testing: Managed the analysis, testing and implementation of the Fully Processed Claim Solution for the Pathology industry
Asset Management Administrator
Deutsche Bank
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Data Analysis: Monthly Asset Management Contract and Data Analysis and Reporting to Management
- Travel Administration: Responsible for drafting and overseeing management travel budgets
- Business Requirements Analysis: Provided input into the design of the new Network Management Information System
Education
Masters. Information Technology - Information Technology
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
Masters - Economics
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Business process improvement
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Flexible work hoursWork from home optionTimeline
Project Manager
Pick n Pay
03.2018 - 11.2019
Business Analyst
Old Mutual
07.2007 - 06.2008
Business Analyst/Project Manager
Advantage Asset Managers
07.2006 - 06.2007
Business/Systems Analyst
Discovery Healthy (Destiny Systems-USA)
09.2004 - 06.2006
Business Analyst
HealthBridge
01.2002 - 01.2004
Masters. Information Technology - Information Technology
University of Pretoria
04.2001 -
Masters - Economics
University of Pretoria
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
University of Pretoria
04.2001 -
Asset Management Administrator
Deutsche Bank
01.2000 - 01.2001
Senior Business Analyst
Pick n Pay
7 2008 - Current
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