Digital Transformation & Data Systems Specialist (KTP Associate position)

University-of-Salford; Salford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal Development Budget

Extensive training

Job summary

The University of Salford, in partnership with HMG Paints Ltd, invites applications for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate in Digital Transformation, Data Analytics or Information Systems. This 31‑month project aims to design and implement a unified digital platform linking production, stock management and planning.

Based at Manchester HQ, the Associate will work with IT and operations teams, map processes, develop data models and dashboards, and travel to the University for

Qualifications

• Minimum 2.1 BEng/BSc in Computer Science, Digital Engineering, Information Systems, Data Analytics or related.
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Responsibilities

• This role designs and implements a unified digital platform connecting multiple legacy systems.
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Skills

Systems integration

IT architecture

Data architecture

Software development

Digital transformation

Databases

Forecasting tools

AI / ML

Operational improvement

Manufacturing / supply chain

Education

2.1 BEng/BSc in Computer Science or related

MSc in Digital Transformation (desirable)

Tools

ERP / reporting tools

Data modeling tools

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Digital Transformation, Data Analytics or Information Systems graduate to fast-track their career development as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate. The successful candidate will undertake a 31-month collaborative project between HMG Paints Ltd and the University of Salford.

HMG Paints is the UK's largest independent paint manufacturer, supplying specialist paints and coatings to customers across multiple industrial sectors. The company is embarking on a major digital transformation programme designed to modernise operations, improve forecasting and planning capabilities, and create a unified, scalable digital platform that supports future growth.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme is one of the UK's largest graduate recruitment schemes (http://ktp.innovateuk.org/) and is a three-way collaborative project between the Associate, the company and the knowledge base. It provides an opportunity for the successful applicant to manage a challenging project central to the company’s strategic development and long-term growth.

The successful Associate will manage the design and implementation of an integrated digital platform, working in partnership with HMG Paints’ established IT team and colleagues across the business. The platform will connect production, stock management, quality control, planning and operational systems, creating a single source of truth across the organisation.

The position will be based at HMG Paints’ headquarters in Manchester (M40), working closely with the company’s established IT team and colleagues across production, operations, supply chain, quality and finance to design and implement transformational digital solutions. The Associate will bring dedicated digital transformation and systems integration expertise to the project, while drawing on the IT team’s existing technical knowledge, systems experience and understanding of the business. The Associate will also work closely with academic experts from the University of Salford and will be expected to travel regularly to the University for meetings and training. Throughout the KTP, you will gain experience of large-scale organisational transformation, operational excellence, stakeholder engagement and advanced digital technologies within a manufacturing environment.

What will you be doing?

This project presents a significant technical and organisational challenge, offering substantial opportunities for technical, commercial, leadership and professional development.

You will be responsible for designing and implementing a unified digital platform capable of integrating multiple legacy systems, streamlining production planning, improving stock management and enabling real-time operational visibility across the business.

A key challenge will be understanding and mapping complex operational processes that have evolved over decades, whilst translating these into modern digital workflows and systems. You will work closely with staff and managers across all functions to understand requirements, build engagement and support the adoption of new ways of working. You will need to manage complex system integrations, develop data models and dashboards, and ensure that new technologies deliver measurable operational improvements and lasting organisational change.

You will independently manage a strategically important transformation programme, working closely with HMG Paints’ established IT team and colleagues across manufacturing, quality, logistics, supply chain and commercial functions bringing together the right expertise from across the company rather than delivering the change in isolation. A key part of the role will be working with both operational teams and senior management to embed new processes, build capability and ensure successful adoption of the digital platform. You will be expected to utilise the IT team’s existing knowledge, infrastructure and technical capabilities, bringing together the right expertise from across the company rather than delivering the change in isolation.

Who are we looking for?

• A graduate with a minimum 2.1 BEng/BSc in Computer Science, Digital Engineering, Information Systems, Data Analytics, Business Technology or a related discipline.
• Knowledge and demonstrable experience in systems integration, IT architecture, data architecture, system interoperability, software development or digital transformation projects.
• Experience working with databases, reporting tools, forecasting systems or business platforms.
• Understanding of process improvement, operational excellence and data-driven decision making.
• Knowledge of emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, intelligent automation or advanced analytics, and their application within operational or manufacturing environments.
• Experience within manufacturing, logistics, ERP systems or supply chain environments would be advantageous.
• A postgraduate qualification (MSc) in Digital Transformation, Data Analytics, Information Systems or a related discipline is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills, with the ability to support complex change programmes across multiple departments.

Additional added benefits

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 £5,166 (over and above their salary).

At the University of Salford we are committed to an inclusive approach to promoting equality and diversity. We aim to have a more diverse workforce at all levels of the institution and particularly welcome applications from people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities, who are under-represented in our workforce.

Please note this opportunity may close early depending on applicant volume.

Job Description