Operational researcher
Operational researchers analyse problems and find ways to help organisations make better decisions and improve the way they work.
Typical Salary
£26,000 – £60,000
per year
Working Hours
37–39
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As an operational researcher, you'll:
- speak to staff and managers to learn about what they do and how they work
- collect and analyse data, using mathematical and statistical methods
- create computer models to test solutions to problems
- identify areas for improvement and recommend changes
- present findings to senior management teams
- monitor changes to make sure they are working
Skills needed
- maths skills
- analytical thinking skills
- business management skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to use your initiative
- active listening skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a government graduate training scheme
Career progression
With experience you could become a research team leader or project manager, then move on to managing an operational research department within a large organisation.
You can find work and career development opportunities in the public and private sector, including:
- the health service
- government departments
- the defence industry
- retail, financial services and higher education
You could also become self-employed and work as a business or management consultant.