Operations research analysts are responsible for applying analytical and mathematical methods to assist businesses and organizations in making better, more informed decisions and solving problems. They have numerous duties, including data and information collection, problem identification, solution development, statistical analysis and practical solution implementation.
On your operations research analyst job description, you will want to include a skills section that clearly highlights the qualities you want your candidates to have. For example, they should have the ability to formulate mathematical models of problem areas and apply personal judgments to the outcomes of mathematical tests.
Operations research analysts should also have great writing and communication skills so they can share their advice and findings to others working in the organization, and provide support to various systems within the company. Below, you will find an operations research analyst job description template to help you get started with your writing.
Operations Research Analyst Job Summary
Our company is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic operations research analyst to join the team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to put your analytical abilities to use and help us solve complex problems. If you excel at research and statistics and have an aptitude for sophisticated technology, you will be an exceptional fit. You will work with a team of talented analysts to identify issues, formulate simulation models and advise decision makers about the impacts of courses of action. If you seek a challenging and rewarding career with a company committed to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions, this will be an excellent position for you.
Job Responsibilities
- Create mathematical models of problems to show conflicting objectives, alternatives, restrictions, variables and constants
- Prepare management reports that clearly and completely define and analyze issues, and recommended solutions to help management make informed decisions
- Collaborate with management to define and clarify business objectives to better understand problems and create appropriate solutions
- Observe current operational systems and gather data about issues so the information can be analyzed
- Develop business procedures such as production schedules, office systems and logistics systems that align with business goals and objectives
- Determine all alternative courses of action to specific issues and analyze the pros and cons of each possible solution so that the best decision can be reached
- Design and develop statistical, mathematical, econometric and various other scientific techniques for system assessment
- Produce and implement cost and time networks designed to control, plan and review projects to ensure smooth running and the timely completion of projects
Job Skills and Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, engineering or a related field
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience or coursework in SQL and Microsoft Excel
Preferred
- Data analysis experience
- Background in statistics and probability
- Experience with modeling and simulation
Operations Research Analyst Job Responsibilities
The list of job responsibilities is the most significant and substantial section in an operations research analyst job description. Employers detail what they expect from the candidate who will fill an open position, and jobseekers rely on this information to determine whether it is worth their time to apply.
It is helpful to use bullet points to format this section. Start each line with a strong action verb, and try to convey the daily responsibilities and overarching goals of this position in the clearest language possible. List no more than eight responsibilities, and prioritize the most critical tasks. Potential applicants should be able to quickly skim this section of the operations research analyst job description and reflect on how many of the stated skills they feel confident that they can successfully perform.
Consider the following examples of operations research analyst job responsibilities:
- Generate models or simulations of alternative operational scenarios to offer insight on decision-making priorities
- Produce reports that interpret research findings for business audiences
- Collect, manage and process data related to enterprise objectives
- Formulate computational methods for gaining insight into organizational strategy given broader market trends
- Collaborate with managers and other key employees to achieve results in accordance with projected findings
Operations Research Analyst Job Specifications
A listing of skills and qualifications is an essential part of an operations research analyst job description. Try to convey a sense of the minimum requirements that a potential applicant should fulfill to stand a reasonable chance of getting hired. You may also want to go beyond the basics and include a brief list of preferred qualifications to target specific types of applicants.
You may want to consult with general management to determine which abilities you should include in the operations research analyst job description. If the specifications you set are not clear or universally agreed upon, you may end up receiving applications from jobseekers who believe they are capable of fulfilling the responsibilities listed but either lack the necessary education or experience or do not satisfy the company leadership.
Combine requirements involving background and prior experience with certain competencies or skills in order to allow for a range of applicants with diverse backgrounds. You may find that your company benefits more from an applicant with recent and refined technical skills rather than someone with dated experience in the field, or that experience trumps skills.
Consider the following examples of operations research analyst job specifications:
- Certification or demonstrated expertise with analytical and scientific software
- Background in data science with proven strategic planning abilities
- Bachelor’s degree or graduate education in computer or management science
- Ability to consolidate information and hypothesize solutions to complex problems