At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse complex datasets and build simulations to support Defence decision-making.
- Company: Specialist Defence SME focused on operational analysis and wargaming.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working days, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Active UK SC clearance required; must be based near South Hampshire.
- Why this job: Combine your analytical skills with real-world Defence challenges in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: STEM or analytical background; strong problem-solving skills; interest in Defence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 60000 £ per year.
Wargaming is a niche area, but that's exactly what makes this one interesting.
Location: South Hampshire
Working pattern: 3-4 days per week on-site
Salary: £30,000-£60,000 depending on experience
Clearance: Active SC required, with the ability to obtain DV / NATO clearance
I am supporting a small specialist Defence SME that uses operational analysis, modelling and simulation to help customers make better decisions around complex, high-consequence problems. The role sits somewhere between data analysis, operational research and professional wargaming. You could be building analytical models, interrogating datasets, stress-testing concepts through simulation, or turning technical findings into clear evidence for senior Defence stakeholders.
What you’ll be doing:
- Analysing complex datasets to support operational and strategic decision-making
- Building and maintaining analytical models and simulations
- Using tools such as Python or R, alongside advanced Excel/VBA
- Supporting or running analytical wargames
- Translating complex outputs into clear, defensible recommendations
- Working closely with Defence customers and multidisciplinary teams
Experience with tools such as Command Professional Edition, Flashpoint Campaigns or Combat Mission would be a real advantage, but it isn’t essential for every level.
Who could fit?
There are a couple of routes into this role. You might come from a STEM, Operational Research or analytical background, with strong problem-solving skills and an interest in Defence. Or you might already understand the operational domain through Defence or military experience and want to deepen your analytical and technical capability. At the more senior end, I’d expect stronger Operational Analysis experience, confidence owning work packages and the ability to engage directly with senior stakeholders. What matters throughout is attitude: curiosity, initiative, pragmatism and a willingness to get stuck into problems that don’t always have an obvious answer.
Location & Clearance:
This is important. You’ll need to be based within realistic reach of South Hampshire and comfortable working on-site 3-4 days per week. You must also already hold active UK SC clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain DV and NATO clearance.
If you like the idea of combining data, modelling and real-world Defence problems in a genuinely specialist environment, this is well worth a conversation.
Operational Analyst - Wargaming & Defence in Winchester employer: Forwardrole
Forwardrole is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and collaboration within the engineering consultancy space, particularly in the critical field of National Security. With a hybrid work model across vibrant locations like Gloucestershire, Manchester, and London, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and offers competitive salaries, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. Joining Forwardrole means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to secure software delivery, where your contributions directly impact national safety and security.
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We think this is how you could land Operational Analyst - Wargaming & Defence in Winchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Operational Analyst - Wargaming & Defence in Winchester
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Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
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Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
