Gordon Shearer

Chartered Mathematician working as a Data Scientist & Operational Research Analyst at Sellafield Ltd., specialising in applying advanced analytical techniques (mathematical optimisation, statistical analysis, simulation) to support better decision making. Subject matter expert in mathematical modelling and R programming (algorithm development, data visualisation, statistical analysis), and experienced in other software packages for the development of simulation models and dashboards. Cross-industry experience in highly regulated nuclear environments and fast-paced FMCG supply operations.

Strong interpersonal and presentation skills when working with customers to scope problems, gather data, conceptualise solutions, and communicate results.

Experience in following government-assured project lifecycle framework. Upholds nuclear professionalism standards.

Experience in leading projects, facilitating workshops, working in a team, and mentoring junior staff members.

Senior Data Scientist & Operational Research Analyst - Sellafield Ltd.

• Warrington, Cheshire

(2018-10)

Lead analyst supporting the Major Projects within Sellafield Value Streams (Retrievals and Special Nuclear Materials). Support provided through developing and utilising discrete-event stochastic simulation models and optimisation algorithms and conducting statistical analysis and cost-benefit analysis.

• Special Nuclear Materials - developed a schedule planning tool to assess programmatic decisions which will provide an estimated £100million saving to total programme cost.
• Retrievals – Analysis from simulation model used to forecast programme milestones for managing highest hazard facility in Western Europe, which are agreed with government
• Analytical work used for prioritisation of sub-programme work packages, which is critical in ensuring that available budget and resources are focused in areas which will maximise benefit.
• Facilitation of workshops with programme stakeholders and regulatory bodies, eliciting viewpoints using Problem Structuring Methods, decision analysis, and forecasting from mathematical models.
• Optimised drum storage retrieval strategy through application of linear programming. Project involved gathering information on operational constraints and customer requirements, translating the problem into a mathematical model, and coding using R to generate proposed shipment list. Improved efficiency through automation, and reduced cost and improved safety through minimising store operations.
• Workforce modelling (UK-wide nuclear skills): provided modelling and facilitation support to the UK Alpha Resilience and Capability Programme to inform the management of specialist skills within the nuclear industry. Project involved gathering workforce data, collating strategies employed by stakeholders (Sellafield Ltd., Dounreay, and Atomic Weapons Establishment) to develop and retain specialist skills and using R to develop a differential equation model to forecast the flow of future skilled
• Developed stable marriage algorithm in R to match resources to roles for the promotion of knowledge transfer and to reduce employee churn within the Technical capability. Challenges included working with sensitive data, understanding ethical considerations applied to human problems, and building a culture which encouraged capability leads and employees to freely engage with the process.
• Presenting work delivery to other business areas and to representatives from external bodies (such as National Nuclear Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Transport Solutions, Environmental Agency). Presenting team capability at conferences held by UK professional bodies (such as Institute of Mechanical Engineers)
• Experience with managing delivery of high value supply-chain procured models. Follow government-assured framework for verification and validation testing upon delivery.
• Project management – forecasting and tracking timescales on discrete packages of work and delegation of tasks of supporting analysts, while concurrently upskilling the team on innovative mathematical techniques and use cases for programming languages.
• Assessment of different statistical methods for determining appropriate sample sizes and applying this to package inspection strategies. Mentored an apprentice for their university dissertation on continuation of this work.
• Providing assurance for a Monte Carlo simulation model to calculate probability of leak paths via seals in waste containment cans
• Secondment to the Strategy & Technical team for the Pile Fuel Cladding Silo – several projects including producing cost-benefit assessment for alternative retrieval choreography strategies and developing an interactive waste characterisation flowsheet in VBA to be used by Operations Support team during retrievals.
• Organised cleaning day for Whitehaven beach, participated in Big Bang fairs, held role as Fundraising Co-ordinator for Warrington office chosen charities.

Deployment & Distribution Executive - AG Barr Plc.

• Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire

(2017-01 - 2018-10)

Experience working in fast-paced FMCG environment.

• Responsible for technical reviews of forecasting methodologies. Integrated demand & supply forecasting data to use data-driven decision-making for appropriate product distribution across various factories and distribution centres, requiring cross-functional collaboration to ensure this was adhered to.
• Communicating logistical and stock transfer issues to customers and negotiating with third party companies on financial and invoicing disputes.

BSc - Mathematics (Hons) - Heriot Watt University