The PositionOur Ascend® platform represents the next generation of our delivery capability - a standardized, scalable implementation model that enables faster, higher-quality client onboarding across our specialty pharmacy data ecosystem.
The Business Analyst is the primary technical executor of the Ascend platform configuration. The top expectation of this role is the ability to lead and manage spec negotiations with data partners - ensuring that inbound and outbound data file specifications are aligned with the Ascend data model before configuration work begins. This requires both deep technical fluency in specialty pharmacy data structures and the communication skills to drive data partners toward compliant, complete specifications without compromising go-live timelines.
Working from the Configuration Blueprint produced by the Delivery Director, the BA owns all data mapping, platform configuration, and internal quality assurance before any client-facing testing begins. The BA operates as a critical resource within the Ascend implementation team - interfacing with Engagement Managers, Delivery Directors, and Customer Engineering - and is expected to communicate capacity constraints proactively given the demands of a multi-client portfolio.
As a member of the Delivery and Operations team, the BA is responsible for executing implementation configuration work, conducting rigorous internal QA, and ensuring that nothing advances to UAT without sign-off. The BA is the standard-vs-custom decision support layer for data: identifying when client requests require escalation to Product or Customer Engineering versus when they can be addressed within the standard data model. Role is primarily remote with occasional travel requirements.
Key Accountabilities Data Partner Spec Negotiation • Primary Accountability- Lead spec negotiations with specialty pharmacy and other data partners to ensure inbound and outbound file specifications are fully aligned with the Ascend data model before configuration begins - this is the single most critical function of the role
- Review partner-submitted data specifications for completeness, field-level accuracy, and model alignment; document gaps and drive resolution directly with the data partner
- Negotiate field mappings, list-of-values (LOVs), file formats, and delivery cadences with data partners, escalating to the Engagement Manager only when partner alignment cannot be achieved at the working level
- Validate test files against finalized specifications and flag discrepancies before data enters the pipeline; maintain a clear record of spec versions and sign-off status across all active partners
- Translate data partner constraints into actionable decisions for the implementation team - identifying what can be resolved through configuration, what requires a spec exception, and what must route to Customer Engineering
Platform Configuration & Data Mapping- Own all platform configuration work: data mapping, configuration tooling, business logic implementation, and front-end reporting setup - all driven by the Configuration Blueprint received from the Delivery Director
- Review data specifications produced in collaboration with the Engagement Manager; proactively flag data model mismatches or gaps prior to configuration work beginning
- Load data into the pipeline using configuration tooling once specifications are finalized and signed off by relevant stakeholders
- Collaborate with Customer Engineering on the handoff of data mapping for standard data model onboarding; provide CE with the context needed for custom build workstreams
Internal QA & Quality Standards- Conduct internal QA testing of all configuration work prior to partner or client-facing testing - nothing advances to UAT without BA sign-off
- Track and resolve defects identified during internal QA and UAT for all configuration-related issues
- Perform quality control procedures to assure configurations and data quality meet acceptance criteria prior to go-live
- Develop and maintain QA documentation, test case frameworks, and checklists that support repeatable, auditable testing across implementations
Escalation & Non-Standard Request Routing- Identify whether client requests fall within the standard Ascend data model, require configuration adjustment, or require escalation - to Product for roadmap consideration or to Customer Engineering for custom build
- Document and route non-standard requests with clear business need descriptions and technical context so that Product and CE can act without re-scoping
- Conduct change impact analysis to assess how updates or non-standard requests may affect system performance and configuration decisions
Cross-Functional Coordination- Consult with Engagement Managers on data partner specs, testing timelines, and UAT scheduling to ensure internal readiness gates are met
- Coordinate with Delivery Director on receipt and interpretation of the Configuration Blueprint - the primary work input for each implementation
- Report blockers, capacity constraints, and escalations to the Engagement Manager proactively; given a typical 1-BA-to-many implementations ratio, early communication of bandwidth risks is a core accountability
- Support the Delivery Director and Customer Success with UAT business validation for configuration-related questions
Process, Documentation & Knowledge Management- Facilitate schema normalization of system databases; maintain data dictionaries and file inventories across customer applications
- Consults with cross-functional teams to document business requirements, operating procedures, issue resolution processes, and platform configurations that enable efficient implementation
- Develop and maintain an operating playbook that details best practices for configuration sequencing, data partner onboarding, and documentation requirements
- Write clear, detailed procedures for internal training and be able to train other Business Analysts as the team scales
- Support creation and ongoing maintenance of standard UAT test script templates for core Ascend use cases in partnership with the Delivery Director
Who You AreSkills & Knowledge:- Demonstrated ability to lead data partner spec negotiations - driving alignment on file specifications, field mappings, and LOVs across multiple external partners simultaneously
- Excellent written and oral communication - able to document complex data relationships clearly for both technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to prioritize, organize, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously with rigorous attention to detail across a high-volume implementation portfolio
- A creative approach to operational problem solving and a relentless passion for quality
- Deep knowledge of data management in specialty biotech and/or operations in reimbursement call centers or specialty pharmacies
- Familiarity with healthcare data sources - transactional, clinical, and behavioral - including specialty pharmacy data file types (patient demographics, dispense, status, inventory)
- Understanding of standard implementation lifecycle frameworks: UAT facilitation, defect triage, QA gating, and go-live readiness
- Ability to exercise judgment within broadly defined practices and policies when selecting methods and techniques for configuration decisions
Education & ExperienceRequired:- Bachelor's degree from a 4-year university
- 2+ years of relevant experience in an operations role at a biopharmaceutical manufacturer, reimbursement call center, specialty pharmacy, or data management company
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other analytic tools - specifically data comparison, conditional formulas, data summary, and conversion
- Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Background and experience with the Business Analysis toolkit including systems development lifecycles, problem solving and root cause analysis methods, and the ability to document business process models
- Demonstrated ability to manage deliverables across multiple concurrent implementations or client programs
Preferred:- Experience with specialty pharmacy data file specifications, SFTP workflows, and data onboarding processes
- Academic training in public health, business administration, and/or operations research
- Case management experience in a reimbursement call center or specialty pharmacy
- Familiarity with project management tools such as Smartsheet, JIRA, or Confluence
- Familiarity with Google Docs, workflow diagram tools, web-based software systems, and relational databases
- Experience working within a structured RACI model or implementation team framework
Join UsWe are seeking to add new expertise and perspective to our strong team of experienced professionals. We aspire to a culture of accelerated professional development through: shared learning and collaboration; a respectful and fun work environment; and employee empowerment through the effective use of technology and tools.
We are a highly collaborative team and prioritize opportunities to connect in person. For employees within a reasonable driving distance of each other, we host regional town hall gatherings approximately every other month. These sessions give our teams a chance to come together, share updates, and strengthen relationships beyond day-to-day work.
In addition to our great environment, we offer a competitive salary of
$115,000 to $125,000 and benefits package and the opportunity to make a significant impact on a first-in-industry digital health solution. Please send a cover letter along with your resume when applying to the position of interest.
