The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Performance Optimisation Specialist (L2)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Independently executing process analyses, taking ownership of small-scale improvement initiatives, identifying automation opportunities, and beginning to mentor new joiners.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering small-scale projects on time and within scope.
- Proactively identifying 3-5 qualified automation opportunities per quarter.
- Demonstrating strong analytical skills and accurate reporting.
- Receiving positive feedback on informal guidance provided to junior colleagues.
- 2
Business Analyst (with a focus on process)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Requirements gathering, detailed process mapping, stakeholder management for small to medium projects, and translating business needs into functional specifications.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully leading requirements gathering for complex systems or process changes.
- Consistently producing clear, actionable process documentation.
- Building strong relationships with operational and technical teams.
- Demonstrating an understanding of how process changes impact business outcomes.
- 3
Junior Automation Developer/Analyst
3-4 yearsSkills to master
- Developing and deploying RPA bots, understanding automation best practices, troubleshooting bot failures, and identifying suitable processes for automation.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully developing and deploying 5+ complex RPA bots.
- Proactively identifying and resolving automation issues.
- Demonstrating a strong grasp of automation architecture and governance principles.
- Showing initiative in identifying new automation use cases.