Operational researcher
Operational researchers analyse problems and find ways to help organisations make better decisions and improve the way they work.
Also known as: Management scientist
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£60,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
What you'll do
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
Working environment
You could work in an office or from home.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- 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 become a operational researcher
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a government graduate training scheme
University
You'll usually need a degree in maths and operational research, or a related subject that contains a high proportion of maths, for example:
- statistics
- computing
- economics
- management science
- physics
Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate qualification in operational research or management science.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an Operational Research Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship typically takes 2 years to complete.
Most trainee operational researchers are graduates with strong maths and analytical skills.
Entry requirements
Most people following this route have:
- a degree in a relevant subject
Other routes
You could apply for a place on the Government Operational Research Service Fast Stream scheme .
To be eligible, you'll need a degree in maths, or a combined degree or degree apprenticeship that has a high maths content. A postgraduate award in a maths related subject may also be acceptable.
Career path and 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.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Operational Research Society for professional development opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0