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- Tasks: Apply analytical thinking to diverse challenges in the food system and support decision making.
- Company: Join the Food Standards Agency's influential Operational Research Unit.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Use your problem-solving skills to improve consumer protection and food safety.
- Qualifications: Analytical mindset and a passion for evidence-driven work.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on continuous learning and analytical excellence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Operational Research Analyst to join the Food Standards Agency’s Operational Research Unit, a small but influential team that supports vital decision making across the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to apply analytical thinking to a diverse range of challenges that help protect consumers and improve the food system.
You will work flexibly across a variety of projects, using operational research techniques to explore complex issues such as food incidents, animal welfare, survey analysis and support for local authorities. Operating at the heart of the Agency, you will provide high quality analytical insight that shapes policy, improves operations and strengthens understanding of the issues the Agency faces.
This role would suit someone who enjoys applying first principles thinking, thrives when solving problems and wants to make a meaningful impact through evidence driven work. As part of the Government Operational Research Service, you will also be part of a broader professional community committed to analytical excellence and continuous learning.
In this role, you will deliver high quality operational research and analytical work that directly supports the Agency’s priorities. You will collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to understand their needs, design appropriate analytical approaches and present clear recommendations that support effective decision making.
You will contribute to the running of the Operational Research Unit by sharing ideas, maintaining up to date work plans and supporting colleagues as required. You will also work closely with policy teams, scientific experts and other analysts to ensure your work is informed, relevant and influential.
Initial project areas may involve providing analysis for ad hoc trade and market access requests, contributing to a deeper understanding of food incidents within operational teams and exploring the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme to support ongoing improvement. Throughout, you will play an active role in multi-disciplinary teams, helping the Agency solve real world problems with robust and insightful analysis.
Operational Research Analyst employer: Food Standards Agency
Contact Detail:
Food Standards Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Research Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Food Standards Agency on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your operational research techniques. We should be ready to discuss how we can apply analytical thinking to real-world food system challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how we've tackled complex issues in the past. This will demonstrate our ability to make a meaningful impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows that we’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Research Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operational Research Analyst role. Highlight your analytical skills and any relevant experience that aligns with the job description. We want to see how you can apply your unique strengths to help us tackle those complex food system challenges!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of how you've used first principles thinking to solve problems in the past. We love seeing real-world applications of your analytical prowess, so let us know how you’ve made an impact before!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your potential contributions to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at the Food Standards Agency. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Food Standards Agency
✨Know Your Operational Research Techniques
Make sure you brush up on the specific operational research techniques mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in past projects, especially in areas like survey analysis or food incidents.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical thinking skills. Think about challenges you've faced and how you approached them using first principles thinking. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and your fit for the role.
✨Understand the Agency's Priorities
Do your homework on the Food Standards Agency and its current priorities. Being able to discuss how your work can support their goals will show that you're genuinely interested and invested in making a meaningful impact.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since this role involves working with various teams, practice articulating how you collaborate with others. Prepare to discuss how you’ve shared ideas and supported colleagues in previous roles, as this will be key to thriving in a multi-disciplinary environment.
