KTP Associate - Business Systems Lead

Leeds Beckett University; Leeds; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Leeds Beckett University, in partnership with Ardent Ltd, seeks a proactive lead for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership to design, develop and implement an advanced data-driven BI platform. You will work with an academic team and Ardent to deliver dashboards, forecasting tools, and analytics that drive performance and sustainability reporting.

The role requires a Master’s degree in relevant fields, strong data analytics experience, and the ability to manage a complex project on-site at Ardent’s

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Information Systems, Business Analytics, Operations Management or related discipline.
• Experience 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Data analytics

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Change management

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Business Information Systems

Master's degree in Operations Management

Tools

ERP systems

CRM systems

BI dashboards

Job description

Full-time, Fixed term for 30 months

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

• 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:

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.

Closing date: Wednesday 23 rd September 2026 (23:59)

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.

£36,000 to £40,000 depending on skills and experience