Operational Analyst – Wargaming & Defence Location: South HampshireWorking pattern: 3–4 days per week on-siteSalary: £30,000–£60,000 depending on experienceClearance: Active SC required, with the ability to obtain DV / NATO clearanceWargaming is a niche area, but that’s exactly what makes this one interesting.I’m 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.As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.

Forward Role are partnering with a well-established international business that’s built a fantastic reputation within the fashion accessories and personalisation space. With a portfolio of recognised brands sold across Europe, they combine creativity, innovation and sustainability with a people-focused culture.CRM Executive (B2B)£32k - £35kHybrid working (4 days onsite and 1 remote)Bury (free parking & easily accessible on public transport)The business is going through an exciting phase of digital growth, investing heavily in ecommerce, CRM, marketing automation and performance marketing, so it’s a brilliant time to join.This is a hands-on role at the heart of the action. You’ll run CRM, email and customer journeys day to day, working closely with the Digital Lead and agency partners to deliver, measure and continuously improve performance.You’ll build reporting, dig into the data, and turn insight into clear actions that shape what happens next.It’s a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the data, likes seeing the impact of their work, and wants the freedom to take ownership while continuing to develop their career in digital marketing.Responsibilities: Own and deliver CRM, email campaigns and customer journeys through ZohoTurn digital and customer data into clear insights and performance reports the business can act onHelp grow customer engagement and first-party data through targeted lifecycle marketing activityWork with SEO and paid media agencies to support high-performing, commercially focused campaignsContinuously test, optimise and improve website journeys, campaign performance and conversion opportunities What we’re looking for: 2–3 years’ experience in digital, CRM or customer marketing, with hands-on campaign and journey executionStrong CRM/marketing automation skills (e.g. Zoho, HubSpot or Mailchimp), including building and managing segments and journeysConfident with email marketing and performance data, using insights to continuously improve resultsComfortable working with data and Excel, turning analysis into clear, actionable recommendationsWell-rounded digital understanding (CRM, website, paid, SEO), with a curious, test-and-learn mindset and strong communication skills As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.

I'm supporting specialist AI/ML teams working across that entire journey Machine Learning Engineer (National Security) Location: Opportunities across key UK National Security hubsLevel: Mid-level through to Senior / LeadClearance: Active SC minimum | DV/eDV particularly desirableWorking pattern: Hybrid / secure-site working depending on programme There's a big difference between experimenting with Machine Learning and seeing it survive contact with the real world. I'm supporting specialist AI/ML teams working across that entire journey — research, rapid prototyping, productionisation and deployment into genuinely challenging National Security environments. This isn't about joining a generic consultancy team that happens to have an AI project. I'm working with some excellent specialist engineering and research teams where AI/ML is core to what they do — surrounded by people who read the papers, experiment with emerging technology and genuinely care about keeping their technical edge. What you'll be working across Depending on the team and programme, that could include: Python and modern ML frameworks including PyTorch, TensorFlow or scikit-learn LLMs, RAG, agents, fine-tuning and evaluation ML research, algorithm development and rapid prototyping MLOps and production ML pipelines Model deployment, monitoring and lifecycle tooling such as MLflow, DVC or Weights & Biases AWS, Docker, Linux and CI/CD Translating emerging research into solutions that work against real customer problems These environments also place real value on engineers who can engage with stakeholders and work across multidisciplinary teams rather than disappearing into a purely research-focused silo. Who tends to thrive? You don't need to have used every framework above. I'm much more interested in smart, curious engineers who enjoy learning, can move between research and engineering, and actively keep up with a field that's changing incredibly quickly. If you've reached the point where you'd like to see more of your work make it beyond the notebook or PoC stage — and ultimately understand the impact it has in the real world — this could be a very interesting next step. Clearance You'll need active SC clearance as a minimum for the opportunities I'm currently supporting, with active DV/eDV particularly desirable for work on higher-side programmes. If you're already working in ML/AI within the secure community and curious about what some of the specialist labs and engineering teams are doing differently, feel free to get in touch. Even if you're not actively looking, I'm happy to share an honest view of the market and where your background might fit. As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff.Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.