Barry Ward

Business Systems Analyst and Product Owner with more than fifteen years of experience supporting enterprise applications, improving workflows, and guiding technology enhancements across healthcare, automotive, and financial services. Brings more than five years of experience performing Product Owner responsibilities, including backlog ownership, user story development, acceptance criteria definition, and partnership with Agile teams to deliver high value features. Skilled in translating complex business needs into clear technical direction, strengthening system reliability, and supporting cloud based and provider facing applications.

Known for a calm, steady approach, strong communication with both technical and non-technical teams, and a commitment to improving user experience, operational efficiency, and organizational outcomes.

Senior Business Process Architect at Ford Motor Company (Contract TEKsystems) (2025-12 – 2026-01)

Documented user stories and functional requirements for dealer facing processes. Supported Agile ceremonies and collaborated with project managers to refine epics. Developed presentations and journey documentation for executive leadership. Evaluated workflow data to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Documented user stories and functional requirements for dealer facing processes
• Supported Agile ceremonies and collaborated with project managers to refine epics
• Developed presentations and journey documentation for executive leadership
• Evaluated workflow data to identify opportunities for improvement
• Provided early business case insights to support prioritization
• Improved visibility into cross system workflows which helped leadership identify gaps
• Delivered structured documentation that strengthened alignment across teams

IS System Manager at Nissan North America, Inc. (2015-11 – 2025-04)

Managed product backlogs for multiple enterprise applications. Documented user stories, acceptance criteria, and functional requirements. Supported Agile ceremonies including sprint planning and refinement. Partnered with developers and architects to deliver enhancements.

• Managed product backlogs for multiple enterprise applications
• Documented user stories, acceptance criteria, and functional requirements
• Supported Agile ceremonies including sprint planning and refinement
• Partnered with developers and architects to deliver enhancements
• Designed dashboards and data models to support decision making
• Coordinated vendor escalations and ensured system reliability
• Delivered training and documentation to support adoption
• Improved financial reporting accuracy through redesigned dashboards
• Supported system enhancements that increased earnings and improved customer experience
• Strengthened vendor integrations through API improvements

Senior Business Systems Analyst at Cigna (HealthSpring, Inc.) (2012-06 – 2015-10)

Supported Medicare and Medicaid provider and enrollment systems. Delivered functional designs, user stories, and system documentation. Ensured compliance through traceability and audit ready documentation.

• Supported Medicare and Medicaid provider and enrollment systems
• Delivered functional designs, user stories, and system documentation
• Ensured compliance through traceability and audit ready documentation
• Coordinated with engineering, operations, and finance to resolve issues
• Supported dashboards that improved revenue and performance metrics
• Improved enrollment efficiency through system enhancements
• Reduced processing time and improved quality ratings

Senior Business Systems Analyst at Healthways, Inc./HP (2010-11 – 2012-05)

Gathered requirements using Agile and Waterfall methodologies. Produced wireframes, activity diagrams, and use cases. Delivered requirements for clinical and reporting systems. Mentored junior analysts and strengthened team capability.

• Gathered requirements using Agile and Waterfall methodologies
• Produced wireframes, activity diagrams, and use cases
• Delivered requirements for clinical and reporting systems
• Mentored junior analysts and strengthened team capability
• Successfully mentored Business Analysts, improving their knowledge and efficiency
• Completed over 15 projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams up to 25 members
• Developed systems requirements for various processes, including reporting and clinical information systems

Senior Financial Business Analyst at Emdeon (Now Unit of United Health) (2009-07 – 2010-10)

Designed dashboards and financial models for shared services operations. Managed discovery and analysis for lockbox and merchant services operations. Developed P&L statements and tracked KPIs through Cognos.

• Designed dashboards and financial models for shared services operations
• Managed discovery and analysis for lockbox and merchant services operations
• Developed P&L statements and tracked KPIs through Cognos
• Provided recommendations to improve financial performance

Credit Manager / Operations Manager / Program Manager at Ford Motor Credit / PRIMUS (2000-01 – 2009-03)

Subject matter expert in shared services and financial processes (Disbursements, PeopleSoft GL, tax reporting). Created financial reports for IT teams and supported strategic planning. Led vendor analysis, SLA evaluations, and contract support.

• Subject matter expert in shared services and financial processes (Disbursements, PeopleSoft GL, tax reporting)
• Created financial reports for IT teams and supported strategic planning
• Led vendor analysis, SLA evaluations, and contract support
• Practiced Six Sigma methodology; earned Greenbelt certification
• Managed international and virtual stakeholder engagement

Master Business Administration in Business Administration – University of Phoenix