Business Optimization Analyst

Drive Business Transformation Through Data, Process Improvement, and Artificial Intelligence.

Thompson Thrift is seeking a Business Optimization Analyst to identify, lead, and implement process improvements across our Construction and Accounting organizations. This role combines business analysis, process improvement, data analytics, automation, and emerging AI technologies to improve operational efficiency and business performance.

If you're a naturally curious problem solver who enjoys analyzing how work gets done, identifying opportunities for improvement, and partnering with stakeholders to deliver meaningful change, this is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact within a growing real estate organization.

Why Thompson Thrift?

Thompson Thrift is an integrated, full-service real estate company engaged in the development, construction, leasing, and management of high-quality multifamily communities nationwide. We’re committed to building exceptional places, and developing the people who make them possible.

At Thompson Thrift, you’ll find:

• Values-Driven Culture: Excellence, Service, and Leadership guide everything we do.
• Career Growth: Training, mentorship, and long-term development opportunities.
• Work-Life Support: Competitive benefits, flexibility, and wellness programs.
• Real Impact: Hands-on involvement in industry-leading multifamily projects.

Your Role as a Business Optimization Analyst

As a Business Optimization Analyst, you'll partner with leaders across Construction, Accounting, and other business functions to improve processes, optimize workflows, and leverage technology to enhance operational performance. You'll combine business analysis, SQL, reporting, automation, and AI-powered solutions to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

This is much more than a reporting role. Success requires strong business acumen, analytical thinking, project leadership, and the ability to influence change across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Business Process Improvement

• Analyze existing business processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for optimization.
• Partner with stakeholders to understand operational challenges and business objectives.
• Document current and future-state workflows and recommend practical improvements.
• Lead process improvement initiatives from discovery through implementation.
• Measure, track, and communicate the impact of optimization efforts.

Data Analysis & Business Intelligence

• Utilize SQL to analyze operational and financial data.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities that support strategic decision-making.
• Develop data-driven recommendations for business leaders.
• Support reporting, dashboards, and business intelligence solutions.
• Validate data accuracy and improve access to meaningful business information.

Automation & Artificial Intelligence

• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve efficiency.
• Evaluate and implement AI-enabled solutions that increase productivity and business performance.
• Promote the adoption of AI tools and best practices across the organization.
• Support workflow automation initiatives using Microsoft Power Platform and similar technologies.

Project Leadership

• Lead cross-functional business optimization initiatives.
• Coordinate project plans, stakeholder communication, implementation activities, and timelines.
• Build alignment across teams while driving adoption of new processes and technology.
• Measure project success and communicate business outcomes.

Our Ideal Candidate for this Role

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Business Analytics, Information Systems, Operations Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in business analysis, process improvement, business intelligence, operations, construction operations, or a related discipline.
• Experience using SQL to analyze and interpret business data.
• Proven success identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and organizational change initiatives.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to simplify complex business challenges into actionable solutions.
• Passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Experience leveraging AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or similar technologies to solve business problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within construction, real estate development, or related industries.
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI.
• Experience with DAX and data modeling.
• Experience using Microsoft Power Automate or similar workflow automation tools.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting Accounting, Finance, or Operations teams.
• Experience using advanced AI-assisted platforms such as OpenAI Codex, Anthropic Claude, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or similar technologies to improve analysis, automation, and business processes.

Why This Role Matters

The Business Optimization Analyst helps shape how Thompson Thrift operates by improving business processes, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and introducing innovative technologies that drive operational excellence. Your work will directly influence efficiency, collaboration, and long-term business success while helping teams embrace smarter ways of working through automation and artificial intelligence.

If you're passionate about business optimization, analytics, process improvement, SQL, automation, and AI, we'd love to hear from you.