Nicholas Cottrell
Denver
Summary
Results-oriented Business Analyst with four years of expertise in comprehensive digital product implementation. Certified in SAFe (PO/PM, PMP) Agile Development and Design Thinking, holding a master's degree in Business Analytics. Demonstrates proficiency in client collaboration and cross-functional team engagement to pinpoint challenges and implement solutions in dynamic settings. Specializes in data analysis, process optimization, and strategic planning. Excels in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork to achieve project success.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Business Analyst
Maximus
Remote
06.2021 - Current
- Service Design: Lead discovery process by mapping current-state service ecosystems to identify friction points, and partner closely with Product Managers to design optimized future-state blueprints used to pitch and secure buy-in for new product initiatives.
- Backlog Management: Translate high-level strategic roadmaps into prioritized team backlogs, deconstructing features into actionable user stories, and acceptance criteria.
- Sprint Delivery & Prioritization: Drive sprint execution by managing trade-offs between technical constraints and business value, ensuring the team delivers high-quality increments that meet the 'Definition of Done' and stakeholder expectations.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration across technical workstreams (Architecture, UX, DevOps) to manage dependencies, mitigate risks, and ensure seamless integration within the enterprise-wide solution.
- Stakeholder Empathy & Engagement: Act as a primary liaison for business stakeholders to bridge the gap between complex requirements and user-centric design, ensuring delivered solutions drive high adoption and client satisfaction. Delivered end-to-end digital product implementations for government health and human service operations nationwide.
Data Analyst
Insurium
Denver
01.2021 - Current
- Resolved proprietary software issues for over 70 insurance companies utilizing Microsoft Azure and SQL Server.
- Managed multiple client projects concurrently, ensuring high customer satisfaction and timely delivery.
- Conducted data validation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of database applications through SQL Server and Azure systems.
Education
Master’s - Business Analytics
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Strategic Communication
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO05.2019
Skills
- SAFe Agile framework and delivery
- Requirements elicitation
- Collaboration and communication
- Leadership
- Storytelling
- BPMN (Business Process model and Notation)
- Solution architecture
- Jira and Confluence proficiency
- Programming skills
- Microsoft Office suite
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Stakeholder management
- Empathy
Licenses Certifications Accollades
- Certified SAFe (PO/PM, PMP) Practitioner, Scaled Agile, Inc.
- Design Thinking Foundations Certification, Illinois Institute of Technology
- 3-time recipient of the Kudos award, A recognition extended to employees who exemplify outstanding customer service and leadership – Maximus.
- Delivered digital products that have won industry recognized awards: AVA Gold Award, Hermes Creative Platinum to name a few.
Leadership Experience
- Business Analyst New Hire Guide: Supported the onboarding of four new hires. Helped new associates navigate the organization, learn their new role, and served as a general resource for industry and institution specific information.
- University of Colorado Boulder Lacrosse Student-Athlete (4 years): Practiced time management through balancing 20+ hours of lacrosse related activities per week with a full course load. Developed positive relationships with teammates, coaches, and staff to help achieve on and off the field goals. Elected captain by my peers.
Timeline
Senior Business Analyst
Maximus
06.2021 - Current
Data Analyst
Insurium
01.2021 - Current
Master’s - Business Analytics
University of Colorado
Bachelor of Science - Strategic Communication
University of Colorado