Operational Researcher (SEO)

DWP are recruiting experienced Operational Researchers (SEO) to fill key posts across a range of policy and business areas over the next six months. 

The roles will be based in one of our analytical hubs in the following locations Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and Treforest.

Due to ongoing headcount restrictions, London is only available as a location option for existing DWP candidates who are already based in London.

All locations are subject to demand management approvals so we cannot guarantee a particular location.

For individuals based in Treforest, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable.  

For candidates requesting to work in Sheffield Kings Court, please note these roles will initially be based at Kings Court and then move to 1 West Bar by early 2028. Similarly for candidates requesting to work in Sheffield Hartshead Square, please note these roles will initially be based at Hartshead Square and then move to 1 West Bar by early 2028.

For candidates requesting to work in Newcastle Benton Park View, please note these roles will initially be based at Benton Park View and then move to Newcastle Pilgrim Place by early 2028.

For candidates requesting to work in London Caxton House, please note these roles will initially be based at Caxton House and then move Sanctuary House by early 2028.

Successful candidates will be posted in merit order based on your location preferences, the geographical requirements of the business and business demands.

Successful internal DWP candidates (working already as badged analysts) should note that these roles may be outside your current business area and therefore you should only apply if you are content to potentially be placed in another part of the business..

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements set out in the Essential Qualifications sections of the candidate pack; which is  eithertobe a member of the Government Operational Research Service (GORS) or have the required qualifications to become a member of this profession.  

If you meet the eligibility requirements you should then provide evidence against the Essential Criteria listed in the Person Specification section of this job advert. 

Please note that if you are successful at interview, you must be able to start within 3 months of being offered a role.

DWP has an excellent reputation for ensuring its work is underpinned by robust evidence and award-winning analysis.  Analysts work flexibly, in multi-disciplinary, multi-site teams across the organisation, embedded within policy, operational and wider analytical teams, to develop DWPs evidence base and provide analysis that supports key decisions underpinning Departmental policies and projects.  The wealth of data we have access to is unprecedented and allows us to work in real time, quickly being able to see the outcome of those decisions. 

DWPs Analytical Community (AC) has over 900 analysts made up of Economists, Operational Researchers, Social Researchers, Statisticians, Data Scientists and Data Analysts.  Analysts are grouped into 23 Lead Analyst areas, embedded across the Department.  Our services are in high demand from ministers, senior leaders and policy and operational stakeholders. The DWP AC is an excellent place to work and being one of the largest in Government we can offer a wide variety of development, training and progression opportunities, making us a great place to grow as an analyst. Many DWP analytical roles are  profession neutral, offering analysts access to a wide range of analytical roles. 

Through this campaign, if you are not already a badged member of GORS you will become one.This means that as well as joining the community of analysts in DWP you will join a community of analysts working across many Government departments, agencies and public bodies, playing a pivotal role in Government decision-making.

Senior Analyst Roles at DWP

We are recruiting for posts across a range of policy and business areas, more information on the types of analytical roles available at DWP can be found in the candidate pack.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, then you will be asked to provide a 750-word personal statement as part of the application process.  This statement should highlight your experience in line with the criteria below. 

We are looking for applicants who are able to demonstrate experience against the following criteria:

• Proven analytical experience of applying relevant professional tools and techniques to solve complex problems and ensuring appropriate quality assurance of analysis. (Lead Experience Criterion).
• Proven experience of using and communicating analytical findings, context, caveats and limitations clearly and effectively to maximise the value and impact of analysis in decision making.
• Proven experience of proactive ownership and leading complex analytical projects, proactively engaging and building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and balancing competing priorities to deliver high-quality outcomes.

If there are a high number of applications, the lead Experience Criterion will be used to conduct an initial sift and applications that do not meet the minimum requirement for this criterion will not progress to a full sift. 

In the event of a large number of candidates meeting the pass standard at sift, we may take the option of only the strongest candidates proceeding to interview. The remaining candidates will be longlisted and their applications only proceeded if roles remain unfilled.