IT Operations Specialist/Business Analyst

Role: IT Operations Specialist / Business Analyst

Location: Minneapolis – 2-3 days onsite

Employment Type: Contract for hire

Rate: $36.83/hour W2

About the Role

The client is seeking a detail‑oriented, analytical, and collaborative IT Operations Specialist / Business Analyst to support our IT Department. This hybrid role combines hands-on operational responsibilities—including procurement, budgeting, and contract management—with business analysis functions that drive process improvements, financial insights, and operational efficiency.

If you enjoy working with data, improving processes, documenting requirements, and partnering with cross-functional teams, this position offers the perfect blend of structured operations and analytical problem‑solving.

Key Responsibilities

Business Analysis & Process Improvement

• Gather and document business requirements for process, system, or procurement changes
• Develop workflow diagrams, process maps, and operational documentation
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities
• Recommend enhancements to purchasing, budgeting, and contract workflows
• Support PMO efforts on small projects and operational improvements
• Participate in testing or validation of updated processes or tools

Budgeting & Financial Operations

• Track and monitor the IT department budget and provide regular reporting
• Analyze revenue and expense trends; recommend corrective actions where needed
• Maintain spreadsheets/reports for operating budgets, capital projects, and service agreements
• Establish and track budgets for recurring technical services
• Communicate budget changes or updates to IT management

Purchasing & Contract Coordination

• Manage technology procurement requests and prepare purchase requisitions
• Coordinate acquisition of hardware, software, and related equipment
• Prepare, track, and monitor Professional Service Authorizations (PSAs)
• Obtain competitive bids and ensure compliance with purchasing policies
• Track and renew maintenance agreements and software licenses
• Resolve open orders, vendor ledger issues, and budget variances
• Maintain accurate procurement and invoice documentation

Cost Monitoring & Vendor Management

• Track billing trends for cellular, landline, long‑distance, and other IT services
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend program adjustments
• Monitor support agreements for improved pricing or service options
• Collaborate with vendors to negotiate revisions when needed

Additional Responsibilities

• Track purchases and renewals requiring approval
• Partner with finance, purchasing, legal, and other departments to support continuous business operations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Two-year college degree OR 4 years of experience in IT Operations, Business Administration, or a related field
• Two years of experience preparing and administering budgets
• Two years of experience with vendor contract compliance
• Experience using business financial applications (e.g., JD Edwards EnterpriseOne or similar)
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• One year of experience purchasing technology equipment and supplies
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow‑through
• Valid driver’s license and a working vehicle for commuting between job sites

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Accounting, or related field
• Experience gathering and documenting business or functional requirements
• Experience with process mapping tools (e.g., MS Visio)
• Ability to analyze data and develop insights to support decision‑making
• Familiarity with purchasing processes, procurement workflows, and vendor management
• Experience working with communication service providers

What We’re Looking For

An individual who is:

• Analytical and curious, with a continuous improvement mindset
• Comfortable working with numbers, data, and financial trends
• Skilled at documenting requirements and translating needs into clear actions
• Collaborative and able to build relationships across departments
• Organized, detail‑oriented, and committed to meeting deadlines