KTP Associate in Product Innovation & Market Strategy

The Knowledge Transfer Network Limited; Bellshill, City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A collaborative innovation network in Scotland seeks a KTP Associate in Product Innovation & Market Strategy. This full-time role involves planning and managing project activities, developing technical specifications, and engaging stakeholders. Candidates should have a relevant degree and strong communication skills to lead projects from concept to implementation. This position is funded by leading organizations and offers training and potential for a permanent role after project completion.

Benefits

Training as part of a cohort

Training budget for personal development

Qualifications

• A degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant subject area such as Material Science, Engineering or a related field.
• Experience of using data to build reports/articles/presentations.
• Experience of leading a project and working within defined budgets and timelines.
• Knowledge of construction industry, particularly in relation to heritage building conservation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and analysis of research data.
• Manage project budget and risk register.
• Engage stakeholders for live product testing.
• Contribute to academic and commercial papers and presentations.

Skills

Written communication skills

Verbal communication skills

Effective teamwork

IT skills including Excel

Organizational skills

Creative problem solving

Time management

Research skills

Education

Degree in Material Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

KTP Associate in Product Innovation & Market Strategy

The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:

• Plan and manage the activity of the project in line with the identified workplan. Produce a budget and risk register.
• Lead the development, analysis and interpretation of research data, and develop required outputs drawn from the research findings including;
• Technical specifications for new innovate materials
• Detailed reports on product testing
• Develop and agree a route map for the development of the product including testing regimes, manufacture process, logistics and marketing strategy
• Test prototypes and establish a testing campaign for the products, including required and desirable parameters, and report on outcomes to key Heriot-Watt and Warmhouse staff
• Support the commercialisation process by identifying and engaging with potential customers and stakeholders for live product testing
• Create a robust knowledge transfer framework to embed new expertise in materials science and market strategy within the Warmhouse team
• Contribute to the preparation of academic and commercial papers, as well as presentations for conferences and industry events
• Actively participate in the activities of the wider business as a full member of the Warmhouse Team.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the salary of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all key duties and responsibilities.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

• A degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant subject area such as Material Science, Engineering or a related field
• Written communication skills with experience of using data to build reports/articles/presentations.
• Verbal communication skills with experience of workshops/engaging stakeholders/giving oral presentations. An active listener and challenging questioner.
• Effective teamwork and interpersonal skills – understanding of roles, coordination, empathy and organisational citizenship.
• Experience of leading a project and working within defined budgets and timelines.
• IT skills including being Excel literate and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word
• Great organisational skills, with a high-level of attention to detail.
• The candidate must be a creative problem solver with a strong capacity for self-motivation and independent work.
• Empathetic, with a genuine commitment to the success of the project.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a demanding workload, with strong time management skills.
• Knowledge of construction industry, particularly in relation to heritage building conservation
• Advanced research skills (such as MRes, Mphil, PhD) and a curiosity to learn – this could be an alternative to a PostDoc.
• Experience in product testing and quality assurance procedures.
• Experience of identifying market/business opportunities
• Knowledge of IP protection and patenting processes

The successful candidate will secure a 36-month collaborative Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) position. The Associate will learn about innovative materials and manufacturing methods from experts at Heriot-Watt University, before leading a project that considers an optimal approach for Warmhouse Ltd to develop an innovative product, from concept to practical development, including IP protection. It will also include establishing the most efficient route for product testing regimes for achieving industry accreditation as well as, optimisation of manufacturing processes. In parallel, a market strategy development and implementation will also be required and identifying opportunities to demonstrate the product for prospective clients.

The role represents an opportunity to influence the future strategies of how the product is produced, to shape how this new and exciting product will be introduced to the market and, distributed and sold. You will be at the heart of operation from inception to the launch of the product, working alongside both the technical and management teams at Warmhouse and Heriot Watt University to develop the product and shape its future. This role might suit someone who thrives at taking direction and instruction but who also is capable of meeting a challenge independently and developing ideas and initiatives while being an effective team player and communicator.

This project, and its Associate, fulfils a critical role at Warmhouse Ltd and will be responsible for the transfer of knowledge from Heriot-Watt University to Warmhouse and contribute to market growth for the business.

This shall include, but not be limited to, embedding knowledge and expertise within the Warmhouse team on how to securely develop, distribute and market the product. This is a strategic imperative for the project. External expertise from Heriot-Watt is required to develop a new building material for the construction sector to drive business growth.

This full-time position is funded by Warmhouse and Innovate UK. The successful appointee shall be based at Warmhouse premises in Bellshill and the project will also involve working with colleagues based at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. If the project is successful there may be an opportunity to secure a permanent post at Warmhouse Ltd to continue implementation of product in their portfolio and commercialisation. The role will appeal to people currently engaged in work such as:

• Product development and manufacture
• Operational Efficiency
• Marketing Strategy and Logistics

As a KTP associate you will receive training as part of a cohort by the KTP, training on Warmhouse systems and processes and other industry practices and training time/budget for personal development.

About the business

Warmhouse Ltd was established in 2018 as a sister company to the established BN Rendering Ltd. Warmhouse was initially established as a vehicle for undertaking Energy Efficiency projects to individual houses whereas BN Rendering was engaged in larger projects, across multiple properties for social landlords. Warmhouse is now the vehicle for both sectors of work. Across both companies, we have, over the last decade, delivered Energy Efficiency solutions and general works to circa 12.000 properties, including a number of non-residential properties such as schools.

The works undertaken by Warmhouse, includes both single house projects and social landlord multi property contracts, including work undertaken across all areas of Scotland and the North of England. Works vary from all types of building insulation, such as External Wall, Internal and Cavity Wall Insulation, Room in a Roof and loft, Flat Roof and Underfloor Insulation. Warmhouse also specialises in whole house decarbonisation projects including full insulation and the installation of renewables such as Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV Panels.

Warmhouse is a small medium enterprise (SME) with a close family team who strive to deliver quality service with a focus on customer care. The Company’s sole Director, Laszlo Nemeth, is very keen to improve our delivery processes and the efficiency of systems through innovation and encourage staff to generate ideas for improvement. He is responsible for the current and past innovative proposals and is likely to take a keen personal interest in this project.