Business Technology Analyst - Operations

Description As a leading provider of annuities, MassMutual Ascend is committed to taking financial futures above and beyond. This means offering innovative products that fit our customers’ unique needs – whether it’s protecting their hard-earned savings, receiving guaranteed income or providing for loved ones. MassMutual Ascend is proud to offer customers a level of strength and stability they can count on for years to come. The Opportunity As an Business Technology Analyst within Operations, you will work directly with business partners within Annuity Operations and IT in the discovery, execution, and implementation of new or enhanced functionality that improves the user experience of both internal and external customers, helping to facilitate the client experience and grow our company in the industry. Job Responsibilities Formulates and defines business system scope and project objectives through research and fact-finding combined with an understanding of applicable business solutions and business requirements: Interviews end users and analyzes, identifies, and documents user requirements and desired application functions including data or report output and training.  Ensures the maintenance of requirements throughout development and implementation of functionality. Makes recommendations for business process improvements and user requirements with an understanding of technical problems and solutions as they relate to the technology and business needs. Provides analysis for production support of systems and applications including creation of associated documentation.  Acts as a liaison between business and IT, advocating on behalf of the business to ensure their needs are met.  Understands business needs and user requirements. Maintains knowledge of business, applications, and technology solutions.  Creates ad hoc reports.  Assists with the design and implementation of operational and system enhancements to ensure production capabilities are both effective and efficient: Develops test plans and may execute tests. Validates production deployments by reviewing output and communicating with impacted stakeholders. Formulates project plans and schedules. Communicates project status, plans, and schedule to the business. May organize user testing schedules and scripts. Participates in estimation process. Documents and communications systems support issues and changes to end users. Maintains customer relationships throughout the business and IT. Maintains business knowledge including utilizing existing documentation and partnering with business subject matter experts.  Develops and maintains relationships with outside vendors. May create training materials, schedule training events and/or conduct training. Performs other duties as assigned.  Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Insurance industry experience preferred. 3 to 5 years of related experience that includes some experience in requirements development, analysis, and/or testing of applications in a business setting. What to Expect Focused one-on-one meetings with your manager Ongoing opportunities for development and learning Working in a fast-paced environment in our downtown Cincinnati, OH office A place to grow your career in a culture that inspires, rewards and develops employees Small company feel with a focus on meeting customer’s needs today and also well into the future #LI-MM1 Why Join Us. At MassMutual Ascend, our collaborative culture is key to our success. It’s the reason we’re a leading provider of annuities today, and it’s the reason we’ll continue rising to the top tomorrow. A career at MassMutual Ascend means you’ll contribute to our mission of taking financial futures above and beyond – and you’ll be inspired to reach your own goals, too. As a wholly owned subsidiary of MassMutual, MassMutual Ascend continues to be an employer of choice in the Cincinnati, Ohio community. MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We welcome all persons to apply. At MassMutual Ascend we focus on ensuring fair, equitable pay by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees.  Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component.  For more information about our extensive benefits offerings please check out our Total Rewards at a Glance..