Digital Transformation and Business Intelligence Associate

This role is an exciting opportunity for a KTP associate to become an expert in digitalization, business intelligence and change management.

For this role you should ideally have a first degree in subjects such as production or industrial engineering, or business & computing, business analytics and may have followed this with an MSc / MBA focused on business, operations management, IT and analytics.

This KTP project addresses Craven Dunnill's strategic need to improve existing processes, operational efficiency, digitalization maturity and business data analyses to reduce costs, improve service and enhance sustainability.

The candidate recruited for this role will review, integrate and optimise operational and strategic business processes to increase their digital maturity and exploit the benefits of digitisation through improved use of data and technology to give greater efficiency and productivity.

For this role it is vital that the associate is technologically and analytically capable and is able to work effectively as part of a dynamic team. Aston will provide support and mentorship in the managerial aspects of the project.

Candidate Profile: Educated to an MSc level, with degrees in either production or industrial engineering, business analytics or business & computing related subjects.

Skills/ experience required include:

• Working in a manufacturing / logistics / warehousing company and hands-on experience of digital manufacturing and modern management practices
• Willingness to achieve business improvement and apply new IoT technologies to business applications

Technical understanding, practical experience or a willingness to:

• Learn new hardware.
• Work with PLC control systems.
• Develop data collection apps.
• Access data and conduct data analytics.
• Develop databases (e.g. SQL / My SQL).
• Do high-level programming language (e.g. Python, SQL).
• Develop and deliver learning materials and technology.

Personal attributes:

• Able to work with experts in a change management team.
• Be familiar with systems analysis and systems thinking approaches.
• Be a good communicator and team player.
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication / presentation skills.
• Able to work closely with company’s staff across all functions.
• Able to work collaboratively to embed new knowledge.
• Demonstrate well-developed persuasion and negotiation skills.
• Articulate the need for change and the resulting benefits to all stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a high level of maturity to deliver a strategic project which encompasses significant capability development and process change
• Willingness to work with technology and clear view on how technology can help improve strategic and operational practices in manufacturing organisations.
• Have some project management skills to enable them to manage all aspects of the KTP project including managing budget management, driving the regular meeting schedules and following up on meeting actions to co-ordinate activities. Or a willingness to learn good project management practices.

Additional Benefits:

• Up to £4000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project.
• Annual leave (25 days p/a).

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Craven Dunnill & Co. Limited and Innovate UK. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

The Company: Craven Dunnill & Co Ltd is the UK's longest operating tile distribution and manufacturing group, with operations across retail, wholesale distribution, specification, and the manufacturing of ceramic tiles.

More about the company: https://www.cravendunnill.co.uk/

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Prof. Ben Clegg, Dr. Gajanan Panchal at Aston University Business School, and the Senior Management Team at Craven Dunnill with the support of the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

Location: You will be based predominantly at Craven Dunnill & Co. Limited office in Bridgnorth and will also have access to facilities at Aston University. Some travel to key clients may also be required.

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Gajanan Panchal, Lecturer, Aston Business School, g.panchal@aston.ac.uk or Professor Ben Clegg b.t.clegg@aston.ac.uk