Sr. Enterprise Research Analyst

As a Senior Enterprise Research Analyst, you play a unique role in leveraging data to inform decision-making and shape business strategy. Working closely with business units and cross-functional teams, you will conduct in-depth research and analysis to address complex challenges, designing and implementing data solutions to solve a wide array of problems and translating complex data insights into actionable business strategies.

This position requires expertise in both traditional data analysis and visualization techniques, as well as machine learning and statistical methods. You will also provide mentorship and expertise to fellow analysts on analytics techniques, tools, and technologies supported by the Enterprise Data department. Additionally, this role will require you to stay informed of industry trends impacting the economy, financial markets, and the banking industry.

Along with the key functions listed below, you will be expected to uphold the value that WaFd Bank places on simply being kind when working alongside colleagues and servicing our clients.

Responsibilities include the following:

Research and Analysis - Conduct comprehensive research and analysis on highly complex data sets to identify trends, such as customer behavior patterns, market shifts, and operational inefficiencies, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning across various business units.
• Presentation and Storytelling - This position requires outstanding communication skills with the ability to present findings and results in simple, non-technical terms to a wide range of audiences, including senior management and non-technical stakeholders.
• Analytics Support - Collaborate with business stakeholders and other analysts on data management related to report development, database design, standards, and operational efficiencies. This includes some project management, process design, and dashboard development.
• Data Quality and Governance - Assist in the implementation of strategies and tactics to enhance data quality, accuracy, completeness, and consistency across multiple data sources and systems. Assist business units in understanding data governance and make recommendations to improve organization-wide data quality and consistency.
• Documentation and Procedures - Document appropriate procedures necessary to enforce standards, communicate best practices, define roles and responsibilities, and sustain ongoing operations. Define and promote effective documentation best practices internally and externally.
• Security / Compliance - Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. Maintain a working knowledge of security threats, laws, and policy for data privacy and protection; take steps to protect organizational data from accidental or unauthorized damage, modification, or disclosure; assist with security and access management.
• Technical Support and Guidance - Provide collaborative technical support and guidance to end-users, analysts, and stakeholders on data-related matters, tools, and technologies. Troubleshoot issues related to data and data systems. Monitor data systems.
• Continuous Improvement - Stay current with related regulations, best practices, tools, and new technologies; participate in educational opportunities; read professional publications; maintain personal and professional networks; participate in professional organizations. Use new knowledge and ideas to continuously improve operational efficiencies, procedures, and strategy.
• Team Player - Commit to a collaborative mindset and perform other duties as assigned in support of the team.
• Adhere to bank policies and procedures designed to comply with Federal regulations, including but not limited to the Bank Secrecy Act, USA Patriot Act and OFAC regulations.

Personal Attributes:

* Sound judgement

* Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

* Well organized and extremely detail oriented

* Strong customer service ethic and great communication skills, both oral and written

* Passionate about delivering quality no matter what you are doing

* Can work both independently and in a collaborative team-oriented environment

* A self-starter, motivated to push the limits and think outside of the box

* Fondness for solutions that are simple, elegant, and effective

* Ability to work with and maintain confidential information

Education/Skills/Training:

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Information Systems, or a related field; a master's degree is preferred. Relevant years of experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Expert level proficiency with visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau or similar.
• Expert level proficiency developing SQL queries for analytics.
• In-depth knowledge of statistical analysis methods, predictive modeling, and data mining techniques using programing languages such as Python, R, SPSS or SAS. Python experience preferred but not required.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience developing machine learning or AI driven analysis or data products.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in data analysis or data science roles, ideally with a focus on in depth research. Experience in financial services required.
• At least 2 years of experience using statistical or machine learning techniques to explore and analyze large complex data sets.
• At least 2 years of experience presenting analysis to senior managers and executives.
• Ability to work with IT and lines of business to create and convert business requirements into technical design specifications.
• Must have an in-depth knowledge of computer systems and appropriate software applications, including strong technical aptitude and understanding of Microsoft Office Suite of products.

At WaFd Bank you get all of these great benefits!

• Paid time off for vacation, sick days and holidays
• Health insurance
• Stock options
• Bonus programs
• Generous 7% 401(k) employer matching*
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee assistance programs
• Pre-tax health and dependent-care spending plans

WaFd Bank Benefits Summary - Click here for more information

We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action. We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and/or veteran status, or disability in accordance with Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which require affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. WaFd Bank does not discriminate on the basis of national origin or citizenship status as provided under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. WaFd Bank is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities to the full extent required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, you are encouraged to contact us at 800.324.9375

EEO is The Law - click here for more information

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

EEO Policy Statement - WaFd Bank

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal - click here for more information

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision - click here for more information

California Consumer Privacy Act- CCPA 2025