Lead Analyst, Operational Strategy

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.

• 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.

• Mission driven company: Forward is a trusted source of fast, flexible funding for small businesses that have often been underserved by traditional financing options. When you join the team, you will help ensure all small businesses have access to the financial support they need to succeed.

• 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.

• 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.

• Drive the Mission - We believe in financial opportunity for underserved small businesses. We say “yes” when others say “no.”

• Keep It Real - We value direct communication, candid feedback, and authenticity. We are an open book.

• Act with Kindness - We create an environment where caring is cool and helping is the norm. We do the right thing.

• Shoot for Extraordinary - We are inspired by innovative thinking and continuous improvement. We never settle for yesterday’s best.

About Us:

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. Whether facing challenges accessing traditional financing or simply needing a convenient, flexible solution, Forward is committed to funding more of the millions of small businesses nationwide. Forward offers revenue-based financing – delivering an upfront sum of working capital in exchange for a set amount of the business’s future revenue. By simplifying the requirements, streamlining the process, and using advanced proprietary technology, Forward is often able to deliver approvals within hours and funds that same day – giving more businesses the financial opportunity they need to thrive. Plus, with their dedicated teams and award-winning service, customers get personalized support when they need it most.

Since 2012, Forward has expanded access to capital by providing over $4 billion in funding to nearly 80,000 small businesses. The company is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau with an Excellent / 4.7 stars rating on Trustpilot.com. Recognized as a Best Place to Work by Built In Boston and certified as a Great Place To Work®, Forward is dedicated to empowering both its team and the customers they serve, helping them succeed and thrive.

Perks & Benefits:

At Forward, our team members are at the heart of our company, and we are committed to taking care of them as people, not just employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, and commuter benefits, a flexible time-off policy, paid parental leave, 401k match for US employees, wellness reimbursement, volunteering days, annual professional development budget, and charitable donation match.

Workplace flexibility is a top priority at Forward too. Our Employee Choice policy means that almost all of our employees get to decide where they work. As a business, we are focused on impact; we are more concerned with your contributions to the success of the company than where you get your work done. If face-to-face time is desired, people managers are empowered to find a cadence that works for their team. 

When we aren’t collaborating to drive business and support our customers, we’re finding virtual and in-person ways to get to know our colleagues, celebrate team wins, and have fun together! 

US Equal Opportunity Employment Information

Forward Financing is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to fostering a fair and inclusive culture built on a foundation of high performance and exceptional customer experience. With a laser focus on employee impact, we’re able to reduce biases and ensure the right people are in the right jobs to contribute to our mission. The varied perspectives of our people fuel innovation and make us a stronger team. By embracing what makes each of us unique, we create a supportive environment where people feel valued, accepted, and empowered to thrive.

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