At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of AI-driven digital transformation in a real-world manufacturing setting.
- Company: Join Heron Manufacture Ltd, a family business with a strong reputation in bespoke joinery.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training budget, and opportunities for postgraduate study.
- Other info: Gain valuable experience and career growth through a three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by applying AI and digital technologies to improve business processes.
- Qualifications: 2:1 honours degree in relevant fields; experience in AI, programming, or data science is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 40000 £ per year.
Heron Manufacture Limited is part of the Heron Group, a long-established family business founded in 1956. The company has developed a strong reputation within the construction and manufacturing sectors, combining skilled craftsmanship with modern manufacturing capability to deliver high-quality bespoke products for projects across the UK and Ireland. Heron Joinery, one of the divisions of Heron Manufacture Limited, specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke timber windows and doors for residential, commercial and large-scale construction projects. The business manages the full process from design and technical specification through to manufacture and delivery, working closely with customers, contractors and supply chain partners to meet demanding project requirements.
Operating in a competitive construction supply chain, Heron Joinery's work is highly bespoke, with projects often involving varied specifications, complex cost structures and detailed production planning. Accuracy, responsiveness, quality and efficiency are therefore central to the company's continued success. Heron is now investing in digital transformation and AI-enabled systems to strengthen its estimating, pricing, production planning, workflow management and workforce capability.
Through this Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Ulster University, the company aims to build on its strong manufacturing expertise while developing new digital capabilities that support long-term growth, improved efficiency and continued competitiveness in the bespoke joinery sector.
The successful candidate will lead the development of an AI-enabled digital transformation platform to improve estimating accuracy, quotation generation, production planning and business decision-making across Heron's operations. This strategically important role offers the opportunity to apply AI, machine learning and digital technologies within a real-world manufacturing environment while working closely with industry and academic experts.
The project will develop and embed an AI-driven digital transformation strategy within Heron's bespoke joinery operations, helping the business transition from largely manual processes to a more scalable, data-informed operating model. The Associate will design and implement intelligent tools to support customer enquiry management, requirements analysis, estimating, quotation preparation, production planning, workflow coordination and organisational knowledge capture.
The role will involve artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, data engineering, software development, process improvement and change management. Working closely with Heron staff and Ulster University academics, the Associate will design, test, validate and embed solutions into live business processes. The project aims to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, estimating accuracy, pricing consistency, customer responsiveness and workforce capability while providing valuable experience in applied AI, digital manufacturing, stakeholder engagement and project leadership.
This KTP provides an excellent opportunity to apply your knowledge to a real industry challenge while receiving supervision and mentoring from Ulster University experts Dr Rafferty and Prof Cadden in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Additional benefits include:
- £15,000 training, development, equipment and travel budget
- Free management training and development
- Free postgraduate study opportunities at Ulster University (where appropriate)
- 10% dedicated Associate development time
- Opportunities to publish research with academic supervisors
- Competitive salary
- Highly transferable skills and experience
- Excellent career development prospects through the KTP programme
Applicants should hold a 2:1 honours degree or above in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Engineering, Digital Manufacturing, Business Analytics or a closely related discipline. A relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable but not essential. Applicants should demonstrate experience in three or more of the following:
- Artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive modelling or applied data science
- Programming, particularly Python, and relevant software development or machine learning frameworks
- Working with real-world datasets, including data preparation, modelling, testing and validation
- Natural language processing, large language models, generative AI or workflow automation
- Software development, systems integration, dashboards, user interfaces or deployment of digital tools
- Digital transformation, process improvement, workflow mapping or change management
- Manufacturing, construction, supply chain, estimating, pricing or production planning environments
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Project management, organisation and problem-solving skills
The successful candidate will be ambitious, commercially aware and capable of working across academic and industrial environments. They should be confident engaging with stakeholders, gathering requirements, developing solutions and supporting the adoption of AI-enabled technologies. Further information can be found in the Candidate Briefing Document. The appointment is for three years. Although employed by Ulster University, the Associate will be based at Heron Manufacture Ltd in Draperstown. Successful completion of the KTP may lead to a permanent opportunity with the company. Both Heron Manufacture Ltd and Ulster University are Equal Opportunities employers.
AI & Digital Transformation (KTP Associate) in Belfast employer: Ulster University
As a leading University in Belfast, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and innovation. Our commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting a family-friendly environment, alongside competitive salaries and flexible working options, makes us an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the Digital Healthcare sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI & Digital Transformation (KTP Associate) in Belfast
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Ulster University or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Ulster University.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Ulster University.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Ulster University that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace AI & Digital Transformation (KTP Associate) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Ulster University.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Ulster University and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ulster University
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Ulster University uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
