Business Analyst

Business Analyst - Dealer Management Systems (Contractor)We are seeking an experienced Business Analyst (Contractor) to join our Product team and serve as a key subject matter expert in dealership operations and Dealer Management Systems (DMS). This role will work directly with Product Management, dealers, and an external software development partner to evaluate proposed solutions, validate business requirements, review user experiences, and approve project deliverables. Unlike a traditional Business Analyst role focused on creating requirements and user stories, this position is responsible for reviewing, challenging, refining, and approving vendor-produced deliverables to ensure they align with business goals, dealership workflows, and user expectations. The ideal candidate combines deep dealership operational knowledge with strong critical thinking skills and the ability to challenge assumptions, identify gaps, and drive high-quality business solutions. This is a full-time, U.S.-based contract position reporting directly to the Manager of Retail Systems Products.Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Analysis & Requirements ValidationCollaborate with Product Management, dealers, internal stakeholders, and external development partners to validate business needs and proposed solutions.Review and approve business requirements, process flows, user stories, acceptance criteria, and related project artifacts created by vendor Business Analysts.Evaluate proposed functionality to ensure alignment with dealership business processes and operational objectives.Identify gaps, risks, inconsistencies, and overlooked scenarios before development begins.Challenge assumptions and ensure solutions address the root business need rather than symptoms.Ensure requirements are complete, testable, and deliver the desired business outcomes.Participate in dealer discovery sessions, product reviews, demonstrations, and feedback meetings.Serve as the voice of the dealer throughout the product development lifecycle.Build consensus among stakeholders with varying priorities and perspectives.Vendor CollaborationWork daily with an external software development partner, including scheduled overlap during early Eastern Time business hours.Participate in solution brainstorming and design discussions.Review and evaluate Figma designs, workflows, and user experiences created by the vendor.Assess usability, efficiency, and alignment with dealership workflows.Hold vendor teams accountable for producing high-quality business analysis and design artifacts.Provide business validation and signoff throughout the development lifecycle.Required QualificationsIndustry Experience (Non-Negotiable)Minimum 5 years of experience working with a Dealer Management System (DMS).Direct experience with powersports or automotive dealerships.Strong understanding of dealership operations and business processes.Experience working with one or more DMS platforms such as: CDK Reynolds & Reynolds Dealertrack DX1 Client Project Other dealership management systemsFunctional KnowledgeStrong working knowledge across multiple dealership departments, including: Sales Finance & Insurance (F&I) Service Parts Inventory Management CRM and customer lifecycle processes Accounting processes and dealership operational reportingBusiness Analysis SkillsRequirements analysis and validationBusiness process analysisStakeholder managementWorkshop facilitationProblem solving and root cause analysisRisk identification and mitigationSolution assessment and evaluationDecision making under ambiguityStrong verbal and written communication skillsAgile ExperienceExperience working within Agile software development environmentsUnderstanding of Epics, Features, User Stories, Acceptance Criteria, and Sprint processesExperience reviewing and validating development deliverablesToolsExperience with: Microsoft Office Suite Confluence Jira Azure DevOps FigmaPreferred QualificationsPowersports dealership experienceMarine, RV, agriculture, heavy equipment, or other dealership industry experienceExperience working with outsourced or offshore development teamsExperience participating in software modernization initiativesExperience with SaaS products and cloud-based applicationsFamiliarity with APIs and third-party integrationsUnderstanding of relational databases and data structuresExperience supporting data conversion or migration initiativesFamiliarity with AI-powered productivity tools and prompt engineering techniquesKey CompetenciesCritical Thinking (Most Important)Ability to challenge assumptions, identify gaps, evaluate alternatives, and make sound business decisions.Attention to DetailAbility to identify inconsistencies, edge cases, missing requirements, and workflow gaps before development begins.Decision MakingConfidently provide direction, approvals, and recommendations while balancing business needs, user experience, and technical constraints.Influencing Without AuthorityAbility to partner effectively with vendors, stakeholders, and dealership representatives to achieve desired outcomes.Business AcumenDeep understanding of dealership operations and the practical realities faced by dealership personnel.CommunicationAbility to communicate effectively with both business and technical audiences.Work EnvironmentThis role is remote, but if the person is local in the Ohio area there is the option to be hybrid. Eastern Time Zone strongly preferred-- if not East Coast based, candidate will need to be able to commit to working EST based hours for the duration of the role. Daily collaboration with external development teams beginning as early as 7:00 AM Eastern Time. Less than 10% travel.EEO: "Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of – Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans."