Lead Analyst, Operational Strategy - Remote

Overview

Forward Financing is a financial technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts with team members throughout the United States, Dominican Republic, and Canada. The company is on a mission to unlock the capital that fuels small businesses across America. Recognized as a Best Place to Work by Built In Boston and certified as a Great Place To Work®, Forward is investing in its employees, technology, and customer experience – with long-term success in mind every step of the way.

As the Lead Analyst, Operational Strategy, you will be responsible for analytics and reporting used to drive the success of our Underwriting Department. In this role, you will investigate and implement opportunities for increased underwriting efficiency and profitability growth, working closely with department leadership and other functions in the business including Technology, Marketing, Analytics, Finance, and the Executive Leadership Team.

In Short

• Act as a Strategic Partner: Partner with Underwriting leaders to define strategic priorities, influence business decisions, and embed data-driven thinking across the team.
• Drive Insightful Analysis for Leadership: Lead the development of analytical frameworks, performance dashboards, and forecasts to guide underwriting strategies at both department and executive levels.
• Shape Department Strategy Through Insights: Translate complex data into actionable recommendations that inform underwriting performance, risk management, and long-term business growth.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Serve as the point of contact between Underwriting and other key functions (Sales, Finance, Technology, Marketing, Analytics, Executive Leadership), ensuring alignment on strategic initiatives.
• Pipeline and Process Optimization: Own the evaluation of the underwriting pipeline, identifying bottlenecks, designing process improvements, and implementing scalable solutions.
• Lead Test-and-Learn Initiatives: Design and evaluate pilot programs (strategies, tools, incentives) and present recommendations to senior leadership based on robust data-driven analysis.
• Mentorship and Best Practices: Coach analysts, establish standards for analytical rigor, and act as a thought leader in shaping how data supports decision-making across the business.
• Ad-Hoc and Strategic Analysis: Anticipate leadership needs and proactively conduct deep-dive analysis to uncover new opportunities for revenue growth, cost efficiency, and improved customer outcomes.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in underwriting, risk analysis, operations strategy, consulting, finance, or related analytical fields.
• Proven ability to influence senior leadership through data storytelling, insights, and recommendations.
• Track record of leading cross-functional projects and delivering measurable business impact.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect operational metrics to financial and strategic outcomes.
• Experience mentoring or leading junior analysts preferred.
• Technical expertise in Excel, SQL, Tableau (certification preferred), and other BI tools.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS Analytics, etc.) is a plus.

Benefits

• Mission driven company: Forward is a trusted source of fast, flexible funding for small businesses that have often been underserved by traditional financing options.
• Flexibility is a top priority: Our employees are empowered to choose where they want to work (whether that’s from home, in the office, or a combination of both) with flexible hours.