Operational researcher Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

Operational researchers (also known as management scientists) use advanced mathematical and business theory to help companies and government departments solve business problems and make better decisions.

As an operational researcher, you might be brought in to improve an organisation’s efficiency, or to provide information for senior managers to use when developing policies and predicting future business trends.

You might work alone or in a small team, on tasks which would typically include:

• analysing the results using various mathematical, statistical and business theories and adding insight
• deciding how to apply the theory to the client’s business
• devising and testing solutions to the problem (often by setting up statistical and computer forecasts and ‘models')
• reporting your findings to the client
• making recommendations about where changes could be made
• advising managers how to put the changes into practice
• observing and interviewing staff
• examining a company's current procedures.

See the Learn About OR website for some examples of how operational research is used in a wide range of industries.

• Learn About OR – Career Opportunities

Hours

You would typically work standard office hours Monday to Friday, perhaps with occasional overtime to meet deadlines. Part-time work is possible.

You may have an office base or work mainly from home, but you would need to visit each client company, which can involve frequent travel in this country and abroad, and possible overnight stays.

Income

• Starting salaries can be between £20,000 and £28,000 a year
• With experience this can rise to between £40,000 and £80,000
• Senior managers or consultants can earn up to £100,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You will usually need a first class or upper second class degree in management science, operational research, or maths, or another relevant subject such as:

• statistics
• computing/IT
• economics
• business or management studies.

You could also get into operational research with a lower second class degree plus A level maths or statistics, or with a degree in a subject relevant to the particular industry, plus management or research work experience.

Some employers prefer you to have a postgraduate degree in operational research or management science.

You can find information on degrees and postgraduate courses in operational research on the Learn About OR website.

• Learn About OR – University Courses

Training and development

You would develop your skills on the job, learning from experienced researchers and taking on more responsibility as your experience grows. Some employers run structured graduate training programmes for new starters.

Once you are working, it is common to study for a postgraduate degree in operational research or management science on a part-time basis. See the Learn About OR website for a list of postgraduate courses.

The Operational Research Society also offers a range of short courses to help you to update your skills and research techniques – see their website for more information.

Skills and knowledge

• excellent mathematical and computer skills
• good business knowledge
• a highly organised, methodical and logical approach
• the ability to analyse and prioritise complex information
• excellent written and spoken communication skills
• good research skills
• the ability to explain complex ideas clearly to people who are not experts
• a creative approach to problem solving.

More information

Operational Research Society
Seymour House
12 Edward Street
Birmingham
B1 2RX
Tel: 0121 233 9300
www.theorsociety.com

Learn About OR
www.learnaboutor.co.uk

Opportunities

You might be employed by operational research or management consultancies, the Government Operational Research Service (GORS), universities, research institutions, the NHS, or in various industries including manufacturing, utilities and transport.

Jobs may be advertised in the national press, OR Newsletter (free to members of the Operational Research Society), the GORS website and specialist recruitment agencies.

• Government Operational Research Service

With experience, you could be promoted to project/team leader and then to manager of an OR department. You could also choose to become self-employed as a management consultant.