Royal Navy Operational Advantage Centre: Chief Analyst - Modelling & Simulation

Job summary

Do you want to play a key role in shaping Royal Navy operational capability and frontline tactics?

The Operational Advantage Centre (OAC) is the Royal Navy’s authoritative voice on operational capability, delivering threat‑informed, evidence‑based advice to the Royal Navy and Defence.

Within the OAC, The Fleet Operational Analysis Staff (FOAS) is the Royal Navy’s embedded analytical capability, providing impartial, evidence‑based insight to support operational planning, tactical development, and real‑time decision‑making. Combining deep maritime domain knowledge with rigorous operational research, modelling and simulation, and data science, FOAS turns complex warfighting problems into trusted, actionable evidence that commanders can rely on. Working closely with frontline units and headquarters, FOAS helps predict outcomes, explain real‑world events, and optimise tactics, ensuring the Navy’s operations are informed, resilient, and effective in an increasingly complex battlespace

The Modelling and Simulation (M&S) function sits within FOAS and plays a critical role in understanding complex maritime systems, testing operational concepts, and supporting the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures.

As the M&S Chief Analyst, you will lead this specialist capability at the heart of OAC. You will shape how complex operational problems are understood—using modelling, simulation, and data to generate insight that informs tactics, supports decision‑making, and delivers real impact to the front line.

You will be OAC’s senior expert in modelling and simulation, leading a multidisciplinary team of civil servants, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory scientists, and partners. Alongside analytical delivery, you will be responsible for the data, digital tools, and technical environment that underpin modelling and simulation, ensuring they remain secure, robust, and capable of supporting modern analytical approaches.

This is a demanding and high‑impact leadership role at the intersection of operations, science, and technology—offering a unique opportunity to apply deep technical expertise to nationally important challenges and influence how the Royal Navy operates today and evolves for the future.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

Reporting to the Head of Operational Analysis, the M&S Chief Analyst is a member of the FOAS leadership team within OAC. The postholder leads the modelling and simulation capability and is responsible for ensuring it delivers high‑quality, coherent analytical support to OAC outputs.

This role combines technical authority, leadership, and delivery responsibility. The postholder will shape how modelling, simulation, data, and analytical tools are applied to complex operational challenges—supporting tactical development, informing operational decisions, and contributing to the Royal Navy’s understanding of operational effectiveness.

Within OAC, FOAS provides the scientific and analytical foundation, and the M&S function is a core part of that capability. The M&S Chief Analyst is responsible for ensuring that modelling and simulation outputs are robust, relevant, and effectively integrated into wider analytical effort and OAC advice.

The role requires close working across organisational boundaries, including military commands, Navy Digital, Dstl, and international partners. The postholder will ensure analytical activity is aligned to operational need and contributes directly to OAC priorities.

A key aspect of the role is responsibility for the data, digital tools, and technical environment that underpin modelling and simulation. This includes ensuring that data is well managed, tools are sustainable, and analytical outputs are reproducible and secure. The postholder will also shape the safe and effective adoption of rapidly evolving technologies including artificial intelligence.

The role includes leadership of a multidisciplinary team, bringing together a range of skills and experience. The postholder will set direction, support development, and foster an inclusive and collaborative working environment.

Operating in a dynamic environment, the postholder will prioritise competing demands and ensure delivery of analysis that is timely, credible, and impactful.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership and Analytical Delivery

• Act as OAC’s principal expert in modelling and simulation
• Deliver scientifically rigorous analysis to support operational understanding and tactical development
• Ensure outputs are aligned to OAC priorities and operational needs

Programme Leadership and Delivery

• Define and lead a coherent programme of M&S work within FOAS
• Balance competing demands across operational and development activity
• Ensure analytical effort is focused on areas of highest impact

Data, Digital and Technology Ownership

• Lead on data and digital technologies within modelling and simulation
• Hold responsibility for the technical environment supporting M&S, including tools and infrastructure
• Oversee the development and sustainment of analytical environments
• Ensure strong standards for data governance, quality, and reproducibility
• Support the responsible adoption of advanced analytical techniques, including artificial intelligence
• Work collaboratively with Navy Digital, Dstl, and Defence partners

Assurance and Scientific Standards

• Provide technical assurance of modelling, simulation, and analytical outputs
• Ensure outputs are robust, transparent, and decision‑ready
• Maintain high scientific standards across the M&S function

Leadership and Capability Development

• Lead and develop a high‑performing M&S team within FOAS
• Support professional development and build analytical capability
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative working environment

Stakeholder Engagement and Integration

• Build effective working relationships across Defence and external partners
• Ensure M&S outputs are effectively integrated into FOAS analysis and OAC outputs
• Act as a bridge between technical analysis and operational context

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Improve modelling, simulation, and data exploitation approaches
• Ensure capability evolves in line with operational and technological change

Person specification

Education

You must possess a highly mathematical or numerate degree, achieved as a minimum 2:2 with relevant work experience.

To meet this requirement, at least half of the degree should be in subjects such as mathematics, physics, astrophysics, computer science, operational research, management science, engineering, data science, decision science, statistics, or a closely related discipline.

Nationality

Our work in defence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who can gain a high level of security clearance to deliver our outputs. The successful candidate will be required to hold or obtain a security clearance without restrictions. As such dual nationality candidates are only eligible with second nationalities from Australia or the United States of America.

Experience

• Experience delivering operational or applied analysis in complex environments
• Proven expertise in modelling and simulation, including development and validation
• Experience leading technical teams or analytical capability
• Experience applying analytical techniques to real‑world problems

Skills and Strengths

• Strong analytical judgement in complex and uncertain environments
• Ability to translate technical outputs into clear, actionable insight
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Delivery‑focused, adaptable, and comfortable operating at pace

Technical

• Deep expertise in modelling and simulation and operational analysis
• Experience working with complex datasets and analytical toolsets
• Capability in coding, data analysis, or analytical software tools
• Familiarity with analytical IT environments and platforms

Desirable Criteria

• Experience within Royal Navy or wider Defence contexts
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline
• Experience of trial and wargaming

Qualifications

You must possess a highly mathematical or numerate degree, achieved as a minimum 2:2 with relevant work experience.

To meet this requirement, at least half of the degree should be in subjects such as mathematics, physics, astrophysics, computer science, operational research, management science, engineering, data science, decision science, statistics, or a closely related discipline.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £61,630, Ministry of Defence contributes £17,854 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years' service
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Personal & professional development
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle/season-ticket loans
• Enhance maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer (up to 6 days per year)
• This post is due to relocate to a state of the art facility in Portsmouth Naval Base but not before 2028 and subject to funding.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

Please note:

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history, qualification details and previous skills and experience.

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability (maximum 1000 words) that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential requirements for the role.

At sift you will be assessed against your CV and Statement of suitability.

At interview, you will be assessed against your experience and the following:

Behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions

It will also consist of an opening presentation, the requirements for which will be provided at least one week prior to your interview.

Further information:

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Martyn Bellwood
• Email : martyn.bellwood100@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

Attachments

20260413 - Navy Command Candidate Application Guide-O Opens in new window (pdf, 1595kB)Defence Internal Brief notice Opens in new window (docx, 43kB)Candidate Information Opens in new window (docx, 32kB)Defence Civil Service Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)