Location
Elgin Ave., London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£76,671 per annum

About the Role
The Principal Quantitative Analyst will be a key member of the Operational Research & Analysis (ORA) branch within the Analysis Division of the Risk Management Group at UK Export Finance (UKEF). This role supports the day-to-day leadership and delivery of ORA’s programme of work, which includes portfolio risk modelling and analysis, project leadership, analytical innovation, and internal consultancy across the department.

The role involves managing and developing UKEF’s portfolio risk models, including the critical Portfolio Risk Simulation Model (PRISM), conducting scenario and stress testing, and providing assurance on risk management practices. The Principal Quantitative Analyst will also lead strategic research projects involving operational research, statistical and mathematical modelling, data science, and artificial intelligence techniques.

Leadership responsibilities include managing junior team members, motivating the team, and deputising for senior managers as needed. The role also involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including Treasury, UK Government Investments, and other Export Credit Agencies.

Key projects include embedding new financial reporting standards (IFRS 9 and 17) into risk management processes, modernising modelling tools, automating internal processes, and expanding the use of data science and machine learning across UKEF.

The role offers the opportunity to join the Government Operational Research Service (GORS), providing access to a wider professional network and development opportunities. Continuous professional development is expected, with at least 100 hours of training annually to enhance technical and leadership skills.

This is a challenging and rewarding position for a motivated individual seeking to apply advanced quantitative techniques to support UK exports and contribute to sound risk management in a dynamic government environment.

Experience
- Significant experience in analytical or research roles using a range of quantitative methods and techniques.
- Proven management and project management experience.
- Experience applying operational research, statistical modelling, data science, or AI techniques in a professional setting.

About You
- Highly numerate with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to explain complex concepts to non-specialists.
- Strong consultancy skills including negotiation and facilitation.
- Proficient in coding languages such as VBA, Python, or R.
- Effective project planning and time management.
- Attention to detail and ability to build productive working relationships.
- Motivated to learn and develop professionally within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications
- A highly numerate degree (minimum 2:1, or 2:2 with relevant experience or postgraduate qualification) in subjects such as operational research, mathematics, physics, econometrics, engineering, or data science. Other numerate degrees may be considered if at least 50% of modules are highly numerate.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Desirable: Higher degree (MSc/MBA/PhD) in a numerate subject and membership of the Government Operational Research Service (GORS).
- Desirable skills include advanced Excel, machine learning/data science techniques, and experience with AGILE or other formal project management frameworks.