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Operational researcher

Alternative titles for this job include Management scientist

Operational researchers analyse how organisations can improve the way they work.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£80,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become an operational researcher

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • applying directly

University

You'll usually need a degree in operational research, maths or other relevant subject, for example:

  • statistics
  • computing
  • economics
  • management science

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, including maths for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

Direct application

You may be able to get into operational research if you've got related experience from industry, for example in research and development, or project management.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in operational research from Learn About OR.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • observing staff and managers, and interviewing them about their jobs
  • collecting and analysing data, using mathematical and statistical methods
  • applying business theories
  • identifying areas for improvement and recommending changes
  • advising managers on making changes
  • checking to see how changes are working
  • setting up and testing solutions to problems, using statistical and computer forecasting
  • presenting findings to the organisation

Working environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Career path and progression

With experience you could become a project or team leader, then manager of an OR department.

You could also become self-employed as a management consultant.

Joining a professional body like the Operational Research Society may improve your career prospects.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an operational researcher right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Pearson EDEXCEL Level 3 Advanced GCE in Business Studies

  • Provider: Christ The King College
  • Start date: 03 September 2019
  • Location: Newport

GCE AS Level in Business Studies

  • Provider: Congleton High School
  • Start date: 01 September 2019
  • Location: Congleton
Find courses near you

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