E-commerce business analyst — According to Statistics Canada, online commerce in Canada is steadily increasing:+ 25% for the private sector in 2007, and + 30% for the public sector. Companies can no longer disregard this new way of doing business which allows them to grow their client base, reduce their costs and decrease their time to market. The e-commerce business analyst plays a very important role in this business process.
Description
E-commerce business analysts aim to increase the efficiency of a company’s online sales process by doing a cost-benefit analysis of projects. They identify, analyze and understand the e-commerce needs and requirements of companies. Since their work involves the intervention of numerous departments, it is important that they have good teamwork and leadership skills.
Main tasks
- Gather and analyze internal and external clients’ business needs and detailed specifications
- Establish the interactions between each participant in the project
- Define the strategy to be adopted
- Identify data flows
- Prepare and lead coordination meetings
- Assist the project manager in following up and prioritizing development
- Validate the functionalities developed with the various participants
- Update existing documentation (e.g. procedures, business processes, user guides)
- Write/adapt training manuals
- Train future trainers as needed
Education
E-commerce business analyst positions are often filled by people with a bachelor’s degree in computers, telecommunications, management or marketing.
Candidates with work experience in managing and implementing e-commerce and e-marketing projects combined with expertise in profitability and risk assessment have a definite advantage.
Skills
- Have expertise in sales management systems (retail, distribution and manufacturing)
- Know the functionalities and features of the main Web browsers
- Have a good basic knowledge of Windows NT, Unix, AS/400 and Oracle platforms and development environments
- Be proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite
- Be familiar with database query tools
- Be able to write clear reports
Qualities
- Analytical and organization skills, ability to see the big picture
- Ability to work alone or on a team
- Sense of initiative and leadership
- Good judgment
- Sense of responsibility
Salary
E-commerce business analyst salaries depend on the province and place of work.
Average compensation ranges from $65,000 to $83,000 a year in Ontario, and between $55,000 and $70,000 a year in Quebec.
Career path
As e-commerce business analysts acquire experience, the files on which they work increase in complexity and involve more participants and constraints, a bigger budget, longer assignments, etc. With their dual-sided profiles, they can either opt for technical occupations or go into marketing.