Operational researcher
Find better ways for businesses and organisations to work and achieve their goals.
Also known as: management scientist
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£500
Entry level
£1,154
Experienced
Monthly
£2,167
Entry level
£5,000
Experienced
Yearly
£26,000
Entry level
£60,000
Experienced
16,000
people are currently employed
High growth
700 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would find better ways for businesses and organisations to work and achieve their goals.
You’d analyse systems and processes and work out how they can be improved using advanced mathematical, statistical and business theories.
You’d test your solutions to problems using statistical and computer forecasts and ‘models’.
Your research and advice would help senior managers in companies and government departments solve business problems and make better decisions.
You would:
Analyse complex information and add insight
Apply business and other theories to the organisation and its work
Come up with the solution to problems
Observe and interview staff
Examine a company's current procedures
Report your findings to the client
Make recommendations about where to make changes
Advise managers on putting the changes into practice
You might work alone or in a small team. Good knowledge of business would be useful. You’d also need to be able to explain complex ideas to people who are not experts.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- problem solving
- questioning
- researching
- empathising
- cooperating
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
- analysing
- taking initiative
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Business
Computing Science
Economics
Sociology
Statistics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You need a good honours degree (SCQF level 10) in management science or another relevant subject such as
Mathematics
Statistics
Economics
Computer science
Business management
Degree courses look for three to five Highers including Maths, with English at least at National 5.
Many employers prefer applicants to have a postgraduate degree (SCQF level 11) before entering employment.
Qualifications that show research, organisational, financial and ICT skills.
The Operational Research Society runs career open days and training courses for those interested in or already employed in this area.
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