Operational Analyst - Wargaming & Defence

Forwardrole; Winchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Forwardrole is seeking an Operational Analyst for Wargaming & Defence based near South Hampshire. You will analyse complex datasets and build models and simulations to inform senior Defence stakeholders.

You’ll use Python or R and advanced Excel/VBA, and you may support or run analytical wargames. A current UK SC clearance, with ability for DV/NATO, is required.

Qualifications

• Experience analysing complex datasets to support decision-making.
• Experience building analytical models and simulations.
• Proficiency in Python or R and advanced Excel/VBA.
• Clear ability to translate outputs into defensible recommendations.
• Relevant Defence or military domain exposure is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Analyse complex datasets for operational and strategic decisions.
• Build and maintain analytical models and simulations.
• Run analytical wargames or support them.
• Translate findings for senior Defence stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Defence customers and multidisciplinary teams.

Education

STEM/Operational Research background

Tools

Python

R

Excel

VBA

Command Professional Edition

Flashpoint Campaigns

Combat Mission

Job description

Wargaming is a niche area, but that's exactly what makes this one interesting.

Operational Analyst - Wargaming & Defence

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.