Digital Transformation Specialist - KTP Associate

This 24-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership gives you the chance to lead a strategic digital transformation project between Aston University and Precision Ceramics Limited. The project aims to replace legacy manual, paper-based management systems with a fully integrated digital ecosystem, helping the business progress towards AS9100 certification and opening opportunities in regulated high-growth sectors including aerospace, space and nuclear.

You will take a central role in digitalising operational workflows, capturing expert knowledge into repeatable standard operating procedures, improving contract review and quoting, embedding data-driven feedback loops for pricing, lead times and quality control, and supporting the company's readiness for AS9100.

You will lead a high-value strategic project with direct business impact while working across both academic and industrial settings. You will benefit from academic and business mentoring, expert input in digital transformation, operations and information systems, and £2,000 per annum for personal and professional development for the duration of the project.

Essential Requirements:
- Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree and a Master's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Production Systems, or an Operations-related discipline, with a strong grounding in data, systems, or operational excellence.
- Evidence of delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, or data visibility.
- Experience of working collaboratively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Demonstrable experience in digitalising workflows, improving operational processes, or implementing business systems.
- Understanding of quality improvement within manufacturing or engineering sectors.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills across technical and operational teams.
- Understanding of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement methodologies.

Desirable:
- Strong analytical capability and experience in process mapping, digital transformation, or systems implementation.
- Knowledge of quality management systems, particularly AS9100 or ISO standards within regulated engineering sectors such as aerospace.
- Familiarity with ERP or MRP systems, workflow automation, or digital integration tools.
- Ability to capture and formalise tacit knowledge into structured, repeatable processes.
- Exposure to change management or cultural transformation initiatives.

Attributes:
You should be highly organised, self-motivated, and able to manage a complex, multi-stream project. The role also requires highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to support an organisational transformation programme and to work effectively with staff across quality, production, sales and wider business functions.

Benefits:
- Up to £4,000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project.
- Annual leave (25 days per annum).
- Professional support and mentorship.
- Mental health and wellbeing support.

You will work in a project team with Dr Gajanan Panchal and Dr Victoria Uren from Aston University and the Senior Management Team at Precision Ceramics, with further support from an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

The Business Partner: Precision Ceramics Limited manufactures custom technical ceramic solutions and provides a broad range of ceramic materials and ultra-precise machining services for rapid manufacture of custom components to client design and specification across sectors such as aerospace, electronics, medical, semiconductor and nuclear. It serves major companies including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and GE.

You will be based predominantly at Precision Ceramics Limited, 86 Lower Tower Street, Birmingham, B19 3PA and should be within commutable distance of the business. You will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to key clients may also be required.

60% of KTP associates are offered employment by their host companies at the end of the KTP.