Principal Operational Analyst

The Operational Analysis (OA) team requires a dynamic individual to contribute to a wide range of analytical studies!

Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: Typically 2 - 5 days per week on-site depending on specific workload classification.

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.

The opportunity:

As an experienced problem-solver, with an interest in military operations, the successful candidate will be able to respond to a wide variety of question sets that demand the use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Curiosity, creativity, and analytical expertise must be combined with excellent communication skills to support MBDA’s understanding of the future battlespace.

What we’re looking for

• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
• Strong awareness of, or professional background in, aspects of Operational Analysis, Operational Research, statistical analysis, or systems thinking; able to grasp the big picture whilst retaining focus on detail, ability to structure information, draw conclusions and make recommendations
• Awareness of wide range of soft and hard OA methods, with developed understanding and expertise in some
• Knowledge of military operations, with the desire to consistently build upon personal understanding
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, indicative of the need to prepare reports and presentations, and interact with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Flexible, adaptable and pro-active mind-set; able to select the appropriate approach depending on duration of study, and ability to cope with changing workload priorities
• A team player, willing to learn and readily share knowledge with others
• Ability to scope, manage, and lead tasks as well as support on larger more complex studies.
• Identification of an appropriate Concept of Analysis against emerging need, including identifying method & approach within constraints of time & cost

What’s in it for you?

• Work in a welcoming, talented and diverse team that prides itself on team spirit and a strong analytical pedigree
• Rewarding and varied topics of work that cover all military domains, with the opportunity to consistently add value to the business and support decision-making
• Opportunity to interact and work with a wide range of stakeholders, including analysis communities in the MOD, and military representatives from the single services
• The opportunity to enhance your understanding of the defence industry, and develop technical, leadership and management skills
• Management and peer support at the appropriate level to ensure that your learning and application of skills is continuously nurtured as part of day-to-day and continuous professional development

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

MBDA is a leading defence organisation.  We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.