Operational Research Data Scientist

Operational Research Data Scientist Wanted | FTSE 100

Operations Research | Optimisation | Decision Science | Mathematical Modelling

Senior Operational Research Data Scientist (Contract)

• Contract: Initial 18-Month Contract
• Location: Hybrid - London (Can look at professionals in Europe)
• Rate: Excellent Day Rate
• IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Overview

We're partnering with a FTSE 100 organisation undergoing a significant transformation across its operational and decision-making capabilities. As part of this journey, we're seeking a Senior Operational Research Data Scientist to develop and deploy sophisticated optimisation and decision-support solutions that drive measurable business outcomes.

This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving complex operational challenges using mathematical modelling, optimisation, simulation, and advanced analytics. You'll work closely with business leaders and technical teams to influence strategic decisions and enhance operational performance at scale.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the design, development, and deployment of Operational Research solutions from concept through to implementation
• Solving complex operational challenges using optimisation, mathematical programming, simulation, and decision science techniques
• Translating ambiguous business problems into structured analytical models and actionable recommendations
• Building and deploying optimisation models focused on resource allocation, scheduling, planning, routing, network design, and operational efficiency
• Developing decision-support tools that enable stakeholders to make data-driven operational and strategic decisions
• Working closely with engineering, data, and business teams to embed analytical solutions into operational processes
• Providing technical leadership across optimisation methodologies, solution architecture, and modelling best practices
• Ensuring solutions are scalable, robust, and deliver measurable business value
• Influencing strategic roadmaps and helping shape the future direction of advanced analytics and Operational Research capabilities

What We're Looking For

• Strong expertise in Operational Research techniques including:
  • Linear Programming (LP)
  • Mixed Integer Programming (MIP)
  • Constraint Programming
  • Heuristic and Metaheuristic Optimisation
  • Simulation Modelling
  • Network Optimisation
  • Decision Analytics
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with optimisation libraries such as Gurobi, CPLEX, OR-Tools, Pyomo, or similar
• Experience delivering production-grade optimisation and decision-support solutions
• Ability to structure and solve complex, poorly defined business problems
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• A pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset with strong ownership and accountability
• Experience within large-scale operational environments such as transport, logistics, supply chain, utilities, infrastructure, aviation, retail, or manufacturing would be advantageous

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to work on business-critical optimisation challenges within one of the UK's largest organisations, delivering real-world impact through Operational Research and decision science while influencing strategic outcomes across the enterprise.