Business Analyst - Continuous Improvement

FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy at a Glance

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of 3,780 megawatts.

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.  [SC00] 

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Business Analyst role reports to one of the Directors, Continuous Improvement and can be located within the FirstEnergy service territory. Travel on an as needed basis.  The Continuous Improvement Business Analyst is an individual contributor who plays a vital role in identifying and implementing improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce redundancies, optimize operations, and ensure customer satisfaction. The individual should act as a change agent, supporting a culture of continuous improvement and empowering the organization to improve operational effectiveness and profitability while delivering exceptional service to all key stakeholders. The individual should foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, creating a more efficient, resilient, and responsive organization. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify opportunities and work with the business unit on process improvement, waste reduction, and cost optimization.
• Conduct detailed analysis of current processes, using tools like process mapping, value stream mapping, root cause analysis tools, and data analysis to understand pain points, inefficiencies, and root causes of problems.
• Gather and analyze data, including performance metrics and KPIs, to quantify process inefficiencies and track improvements over time.
• Lead and participate in workshops and other initiatives to drive process enhancements and engage team members in problem-solving.
• Collaborate with various departments and stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for improvement initiatives, adopting a collaborative approach to change.
• Establish metrics to track progress and measure the impact of improvement initiatives, reporting on project status, savings, and outcomes to senior leadership.
• Apply controls and provide ongoing support to ensure that optimized processes are effectively implemented and maintained by teams, preventing lapses and embedding improvements in daily operations.
• Remain updated on industry trends and best practices by continuously researching and learning about new technologies, methodologies, and best practices.
• Evaluate potential improvement projects based on their financial impact and prioritize those that offer the highest return on investment and or base O&M reductions.
• Assess the financial implications of different improvement strategies and choose the most impactful solutions based on data and analysis.
• Utilize  and develop tools to maximize asset value through sound strategy, informed decision-making, and business process and tool development
• Developing predictive and prescriptive models using statistical techniques, software, and machine learning algorithms to forecast future trends and outcomes.
• Develop reports using platforms such as Oracle BIP, Toad Database, RapidMiner, Python, and other tools through data visualization tools
• Participate in periodic release process regression testing as needed.
• Build and maintain models to enable and improve data-driven decision-making.
• Focus on safety and compliance by applying continuous improvement to ensure adherence to safety regulations and industry standards   
• Additional hours of labor may be required during storm restoration so that we may meet the needs of our Customers.

Qualifications at the Business Analyst include:

• Bachelor's degree with a recommended minimum of 4 years relevant work experience or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience.
  • Related experience includes but is not limited to process improvement and optimization efforts, financial management and change management. Experience in managing and delivering CI projects, meeting deadlines, and budgetary requirements, is also necessary.
• Proficient analytical and quantitative skills with demonstrated ability to proactively identify challenges or roadblocks
• Gather and analyze relevant information while advancing understanding of the topic/issue, develop solutions, and present recommendations
• Possesses proficient knowledge of overall business operations and fundamental knowledge of department operations
• Demonstrates proficiency in working with management and peers internal and external of the department
• Ability to support established relationships and interface with external parties while maintaining core business objectives

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity
At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.
Safety
Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.
Position Classification
Exempt 

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team