Strategic Transformation and Process Improvement Analyst (KTP Associate Position) - Salford

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Business, Engineering, Operations or Project Management graduate to fast-track their career development as a Strategic Transformation and Process Improvement Analyst / Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate. The successful candidate will undertake a 24-month collaborative project between UPOWA and The University of Salford.

This post is a dynamic role that will lead a unique innovation project aiming to develop and embed a scalable framework that improves operational efficiency and workforce capability in solar PV installations while also being agile in the scoping of other renewable opportunities for the brand. This project supports UPOWA's growth and contributes to UK net zero and housebuilding aligned with the Future Homes Standard.

The KTP will embed new capabilities, including a standardised operational framework, real-time capacity planning, strategic risk mapping, digital readiness tools, and be a key facilitator and support for the integration of the new ERP system being implemented. The position will be based full-time at UPOWA’s premises in Whiteley, Fareham (PO15), working as part of the UPOWA Team; however, there will be some travel to the University of Salford as and when required. In addition, you will gain experience in engaging with colleagues and stakeholders from across the entire organisation and beyond. This experience will uniquely position the candidate to have wide-ranging knowledge and experience.

What will you be doing? This project presents a complex, high-impact challenge that requires a high performing Associate capable of acting as a strong change agent. You will play a pivotal role in enabling UPOWA's scale-up journey and supporting the UK's net zero targets through operational excellence, strategic resilience, and embedded innovation. You will facilitate the transformation of UPOWA's operational framework, driving change across technical systems, organisational processes, and company culture, whilst being offered significant opportunities for personal development and being a key player in the landing and integration of the new ERP system. You will have excellent communication skills, be able to play a key role in developing and delivering a strategically important project for UPOWA and be able to manage stakeholder expectations.

Who are we looking for? A relevant degree (minimum 2:1) in Business, Engineering, Project Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related discipline is essential. A Postgraduate qualification (MSc/PhD) in supply chain management, business transformation, or a related field would be desirable but not essential when applying for this post. Organisational design, culture change, and action learning development are specific capabilities that are essential requirements for this position.

Benefits: Recognised as a topic expert in the industry, become a leader of change in the company, gain managerial and leadership skills to run new capabilities in the business, opportunity to become a permanent employee of the business partner, opportunity to gain further qualifications in HE, obtain skills to enhance professional body recognition or membership, dissemination of outcomes and research through journal publications.

To facilitate professional development, the successful candidate will receive extensive practical and formal training, gain highly desirable specialist business skills, broaden knowledge and expertise within an industrially relevant project, and gain valuable experience from their industry and academic mentors. The KTP Associate will also benefit from a Personal Development Budget of £4,000 (over and above their salary).