At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a data-driven project to enhance business performance and sustainability.
- Company: Join Ardent, a pioneering manufacturer in fire suppression systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, personal development budget, and structured training.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience with industry experts and significant responsibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in relevant fields and experience in data analytics.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a curious, analytical and goal driven individual to lead an exciting Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project with Ardent Ltd, innovative manufacturer and supplier of fire suppression systems and passenger accessibility products for safety-critical industries. The project will develop a unique data-driven business intelligence platform that will exploit advanced data analytics to provide real-time visibility of business performance. The system will support forecasting and decision making, identify inefficiencies and improve performance and quality management while helping Ardent to reduce its carbon footprint.
The Role
Supported by an experienced academic team from Leeds Beckett University and senior leaders at Ardent, you will lead the design, development and implementation of the platform. Key responsibilities will include:
- Analysing and mapping operational, quality, supply chain and sustainability processes to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
- Integrating data from ERP, CRM, service and quality systems to establish robust business intelligence and reporting capabilities.
- Designing and implementing the Operational & Carbon Intelligence System (OCIS), including dashboards, forecasting tools and performance analytics.
- Developing carbon accounting, sustainability reporting and emissions-monitoring processes across the organisation.
- Leading stakeholder engagement, training and change-management activities to embed new systems and ways of working.
- Building long-term capability through knowledge transfer, documentation and governance processes to ensure sustainable use of the OCIS.
The Company
Established in 1993, Ardent is a specialist supplier of fire suppression systems serving safety-critical industries across the UK and internationally. The company designs, manufactures, installs and services innovative products that protect people, vehicles and infrastructure in demanding environments. You will be based full-time at Ardent's facility in Roecliffe, North Yorkshire, where you will work closely with a supportive leadership team and become an integral part of the business. Due to the location of the business a driving license and access to your own vehicle is essential.
The Person
We are looking for applications from a proactive and commercially aware individual with a passion for business transformation and data-driven improvement. You will have:
- A Master's degree in Business Information Systems, Business Analytics, Operations Management or related discipline.
- Experience of applying data analytics, business process analysis and process improvement methodologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into practical business solutions.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage with colleagues at all levels of an organisation.
- The ability to work independently, lead a complex project and drive change within a manufacturing or operational environment.
- Demonstrable experience of, or a keen interest in, sustainability, carbon accounting and environmental reporting.
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a strategic innovation project that will have a lasting impact on a growing manufacturing business. You will gain experience across operations, business intelligence, sustainability and organisational change while working with experienced academics and industry professionals. As part of the KTP programme, you will benefit from:
- A £5,000 personal development budget.
- A structured management training programme.
- The opportunity to work alongside leading academic experts.
- Significant responsibility and visibility within a growing business.
This role is part of the national Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme, an award-winning programme that enables talented graduates and postgraduates to accelerate their careers through innovation-led projects in industry.
If you would like to find out more about this role we plan to hold an online information session on 9th September 2026 12.00-13.00. We strongly recommend that you attend this session before completing your application.
Interviews will be held in two stages: 1st Interviews – Mon 19th October and Tuesday 20th October; 2nd Interview (in person) – 5th November. Please note these dates may be subject to change.
We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from black and minority ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under-represented at this level of post. All appointments will be based on merit. Leeds Beckett University is a Disability Confident Employer. Disabled candidates who demonstrate all essential criteria within the Person Specification will be invited to an interview.
KTP Associate - Business Systems Lead (Fixed term 30 months) in Leeds employer: Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among its staff. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have ample opportunities for professional growth through research initiatives and academic leadership roles. Located in the heart of Leeds, the university provides a dynamic environment where you can make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land KTP Associate - Business Systems Lead (Fixed term 30 months) in Leeds
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Leeds Beckett University. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Leeds Beckett University.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Leeds Beckett University.
We think you need these skills to ace KTP Associate - Business Systems Lead (Fixed term 30 months) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Leeds Beckett University and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds Beckett University
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Leeds Beckett University will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Leeds Beckett University.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Leeds Beckett University.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Leeds Beckett University. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
