Senior Operations Analyst

Chandler Macleod; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our client for an exceptional opportunity within a high-profile Federal Government agency supporting Australia’s most significant long-term capability program.

The Senior Operations Analyst (EL1) will deliver rigorous, evidence-based analysis to inform capability decisions, lead analyses end-to-end, and provide trusted decision support to senior stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Operations Research, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Science, Data Science, Economics, Defence Studies, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience with modelling & simulation tools, analytical software, data visualisation tools, or programming languages relevant to Defence analysis

Responsibilities

• Leading the planning, conduct, and delivery of complex analytical studies to support decision‑making
• Applying Operations Analysis methodologies, modelling and simulation, quantitative analysis, and data‑driven approaches to complex Defence problems
• Translating strategic and operational challenges into structured analytical questions and evidence-based recommendations
• Designing, executing, validating and evaluating analytical activities to ensure outputs are technically robust and fit‑for‑purpose
• Providing professional leadership and oversight to ensure analytical products meet required standards
• Managing and mentoring analysts within an integrated workforce, fostering collaboration, innovation and professional development
• Coordinating and prioritising workloads, resources and deliverables to meet deadlines and organisational priorities
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements, communicate complex concepts and deliver outcomes
• Contributing to continuous improvement of analytical methods, tools, frameworks and business processes
• Producing high‑quality written reports, briefs and recommendations for senior leaders and decision‑makers

Skills

Systems thinking

Analytical tradecraft

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Leadership

Education

Operations Research

Statistics

Defence Studies

Tools

Modelling & simulation tools

Analytical software

Data visualisation

Programming languages

Job description

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our client for an exceptional opportunity within a high-profile Federal Government agency supporting Australia’s most significant long-term capability program.

About the Role

Working within the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) environment, the Senior Operations Analyst (EL1) is accountable (under broad direction and with a high degree of autonomy) for delivering rigorous, evidence-based analysis to inform capability decisions.

The acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines is an historic and transformative endeavour for Australia. This whole-of-nation effort will transform Australia’s economic and national security landscape for decades to come.

You will lead analytical activities end-to-end—from problem definition through to findings and recommendations—and provide trusted decision support to senior stakeholders in a fast-paced and high-profile environment.

About the Team

The Requirements Analysis and Intelligence Directorate provides analytical and intelligence support to the Capability Sponsor within the ASA. The directorate enables informed and evidence-based decision‑making by supporting the development, management, governance and assurance of capability requirements throughout the capability lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for leading and delivering complex analytical activities, including

• Leading the planning, conduct, and delivery of complex analytical studies to support decision‑making
• Applying Operations Analysis methodologies, modelling and simulation, quantitative analysis, and data‑driven approaches to complex Defence problems
• Translating strategic and operational challenges into structured analytical questions and evidence-based recommendations
• Designing, executing, validating and evaluating analytical activities to ensure outputs are technically robust and fit‑for‑purpose
• Providing professional leadership and oversight to ensure analytical products meet required standards
• Managing and mentoring analysts within an integrated workforce, fostering collaboration, innovation and professional development
• Coordinating and prioritising workloads, resources and deliverables to meet deadlines and organisational priorities
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements, communicate complex concepts and deliver outcomes
• Contributing to continuous improvement of analytical methods, tools, frameworks and business processes
• Producing high‑quality written reports, briefs and recommendations for senior leaders and decision‑makers

About You

• Proven experience delivering complex, evidence-based analysis in a high‑stakes or complex environment
• Strong capability in systems thinking, structured problem solving and analytical tradecraft
• Confidence leading analytical workstreams and guiding others to deliver quality outputs
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes under pressure

Mandatory qualifications / experience (required)

• Tertiary qualifications in Operations Research, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Science, Data Science, Economics, Defence Studies, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience with one or more of the following (highly desirable): modelling & simulation tools, analytical software, data visualisation tools, or programming languages relevant to Defence analysis

Security Requirement

Prior to commencement, successful applicants will be required to undergo a psychological assessment and an extensive security clearance process.

• Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Positive Vetting (PV) security clearance
• Australian Citizenship is required
• Applicants must be able to account for their personal background for their whole life and demonstrate suitability to work in a high security environment
• The successful applicant must satisfy all applicable security and workforce suitability requirements, including ITAR eligibility and Nuclear Suitability obligations

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse individuals, people living with a disability, and the LGBTIQA+ community. You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at: https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.