Operational Excellence - KTP Associate

Anglia Ruskin University; Greenford; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training budget £5,000

World-leading academics

Career development

Job summary

Anglia Ruskin University is seeking a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate to work at the interface of academia and industry. Based with Wealmoor Ltd, you will apply lean management, data integration and analytics to optimise value chains and deliver measurable improvements in cost and environmental impact.

You will lead complex activities, present findings to diverse audiences, and collaborate with faculty and industry partners to drive commercial impact and knowledge transfer.

Qualifications

• MSc (PhD desirable) in operations management, supply chain management or industrial engineering.
• Experience with lean six sigma and value chain optimisation in industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead lean-based activities and drive continuous improvement across the project.
• Design and conduct value chain analysis and data-driven optimisation.
• Present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Engage stakeholders across academia and industry and upskill internal champions.

Skills

Lean management

Value stream mapping

Data integration

Operational analytics

Engagement with stakeholders

Project management

Leadership

Presentation skills

Education

MSc in operations management / supply chain / industrial engineering

Tools

PowerBI

SQL

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to work full time on a 30-month collaborative partnership between Wealmoor Limited and Anglia Ruskin University. The project will be based at Wealmoor's premises and will embed continuous improvement practices and analytics capabilities to enable measurable reductions in cost, waste, and environmental impact, creating a more competitive tendering proposition to clients.

Please Note

• The successful applicant will need to have the appropriate Right to Work in place covering the entirety of the 30-month project, prior to commencement of the role
• The start date for the Post is no later than February 16th 2027 – preferably earlier
• Interviews will be Face to Face at Wealmoor’s London premises on November 9th
• Previous applicants need not apply

About Wealmoor Ltd

Wealmoor Ltd is a long established forward-thinking, family-owned business specialising in the growing, packing and marketing of subtropical fresh fruits and vegetables from all over the world. They are also producers of homegrown seasonal vegetables and herbs.

As well as farming at home in the UK, Wealmoor is actively involved in growing exotic fruit and premium vegetables from Peru, Kenya, The Gambia, Spain, Brazil, Senegal and many other countries around the world. Wealmoor’s mission is to sustainably grow and source, market and deliver high value fresh produce, whilst making a positive impact on communities and local environments. This it achieves through the Wealmoor Way Foundation, a vehicle to undertake philanthropic work and provide financial and strategic assistance for those most in need.

About the role

This position offers an excellent opportunity to engage in cutting‑edge research while working closely with an industry partner to drive innovation and commercial impact. The role is well‑suited to an individual with key competencies in lean management, value stream mapping, data integration and operational analytics, ideally supported by a background in research in industry related process review and value chain optimisation. Candidates with knowledge of data driven supply chains, value chain analysis, and automation deployment and PowerBI or SQL will be particularly encouraged.

As part of this Knowledge Transfer Partnership, you will benefit from access to expertise and resources from both Anglia Ruskin University and Wealmoor Ltd. You will work at the interface of academia and industry, gaining experience in data analysis, operational analytics, and commercial translation. The role will lead a complex project within a fast‑paced fresh produce environment requiring analytical thinking and confidence to engage a variety of stakeholders. It will involve designing and conducting lean based activities, presenting findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences, and identifying and upskilling internal champions ensuring a lasting legacy of continuous improvement. This is a rare opportunity to apply your scientific skills in a commercially focused environment, broaden your professional development, and make a tangible impact within a key industry sector.

Although you’ll be employed by ARU, you’ll be based at Wealmoor Ltd’s Greenford factory in Middlesex.

Requirements

• Essential to have an MSc (desirably a PhD) in operations management, supply chain management or industrial engineering
• Undertaken research in industry-related process review, operational excellence (lean six Sigma) and value chain optimisation environment.
• Experience in data driven operations and supply chains, participatory methods for value chain analysis/value stream mapping
• Knowledge of Automation/Technology deployment
• Knowledge of PowerBI or SQL
• Experience of Project management
• Strong prioritisation, organisation and time management skills
• Pro‑active, with strong leadership skills
• Ability to build strong relationships and trust across the organisation establishing credibility and working cooperatively with others.
• Presentation skills, oral and writing skills

Benefits for the Associate

Develop Skills:

• You’ll work in a cutting edge, industry leading, highly commercial, food sector environment
• You’ll gain access to world‑leading academics
• You’ll have the opportunity to gain further qualifications and certifications
• You’ll have your own dedicated training time and a generous training budget. £5,000

Take the Lead:

• You’ll be the project lead, managing your own workload and ensuring outputs
• You’ll direct problem‑solving activities and your own learning
• You’ll have creative freedom to suggest changes and develop the project plan

Interact:

• You’ll have continuous support from your Academic and Business Supervisors
• You’ll work with innovative and ambitious staff, including regular contact with key senior management
• You’ll liaise with current and new Wealmoor Ltd clients and see the real‑life impact of your work

About ARU

ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU was recently awarded the Most Transformational KTP Award for 2025 and holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK’s Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading.

About the KTP programme and Innovate UK

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are unique, three‑way collaborations powering innovation. For nearly 50 years, KTPs have been helping businesses innovate for growth. They do this by connecting businesses that have an innovative idea with academic expertise to help deliver it. There are over 870 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (universities and other research organisations) and over 800 graduates involved in KTPs.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on short listed candidates.

We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.

Guidance Notes

For a list of key requirements, please download the Job Description and Person Specification above. To apply for this role please demonstrate how your skills and experience match the criteria in the person specification.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.