Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research (OR) Analyst

  1. What does a Operations Research Analyst do?
    An Operations Research Analyst applies scientific method to problems concerning the management of systems of people, machines, materials and money in industry, business government and defence. They conduct logical analysis of management problems in collaboration with management, with a view to understanding the system behind that problem, so that the system may be made to work in a manner that eliminates the problem.
  2. Why does a OR Analyst do this?
    OR Analysts help address questions essential to the success of organisations managing the complexities of operating in an increasingly competitive and lean environment. They work across a very broad range of industries including oil, chemicals, steel, manufacturing, the railways, electricity generation, agriculture, the airlines, banking and insurance, and in many other fields including defence, medical and welfare services.
  3. How does a OR Analyst do their job?
    Most OR Analysts starts with a problem, which does not necessarily mean something has gone wrong or is about to go wrong. It could just be that a decision has to be made or that the person or group responsible for some activity believes it could be carried out better. From that point, there are a number of more or less standard steps to the conduct of the investigation. Some typical techniques used in OR include:
    • Network Analysis
    • Linear Programing
    • Stock Control Theory
    • Statistical Analysis
  4. Where do OR Analysts do their work?
    OR Analysts usually work in office environments in government and private industry. They would typically work a 38 hour week, but longer hours may be required at times depending on the particular business need.
  5. Average salary per year
    The average annual salary for this job is $70 616 excluding superannuation.
  6. 6. Job outlook
    Over the five years to November 2017, the number of job openings for Operations Research Analysts is expected to grow strongly.
  7. Related occupations
    Statistician, Actuary, Accountant, Auditor and Physicist.
  8. Companies that employ OR Analysts
    Many large firms have groups of OR Analysts (commonly 4 to 12 people). These are located in the steel, mining, oil, gas, chemicals, paper and engineering industries, and in airlines, railways, banking and insurance. Within the public sector, OR Analysts are also employed in health, education and electricity supply. Not all of these people have the formal title of Operations Research Analyst, and may be located in departments such as Industrial Engineering, Management Services or Corporate Research. Some major Australian employers include: