KTP Associate - Business Systems Lead (Fixed term 30 months)

Job reference

REQ0002152

Date posted

26/08/2026

Application closing date: Midnight

23/09/2026

Location

Blank

Salary

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

Package

Please refer to Candidate Pack

Job category/type

Administrative/Support

Job description

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 will include:

• 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 a applications from a proactive and commercially aware individual with a passion for business transformation and data-driven improvement.

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. You will gain experience across operations, business intelligence, sustainability and organisational change while working with experienced academics and industry professionals.

As part of the KTP programme, you will benefit from:

• A £5,000 personal development budget.
• A structured management training programme.
• The opportunity to work alongside leading academic experts.
• Significant responsibility and visibility within a growing business.

This role is part of the national Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme, an award-winning programme that enables talented graduates and postgraduates to accelerate their careers through innovation-led projects in industry.

Information Session

If you would like to find out more about this role we plan to hold an online information session on 9th September 2026 12.00-13.00 . We strongly recommend that you attend this session before completing your application.
If you wish to attend this session, the Eventbrite link is here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leeds-beckett-ardent-ktp-information-session-for-applicants-tickets-1998943801721

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

Interviews will be held in two stages on w/c 19th October and w/c 26th October 2026. Please note these dates may be subject to change.

We kindly ask that you do not use generative AI to generate your application and supporting information. We want to learn about you - your ideas, expertise, track record, and the unique value you bring to the project. All content must be appropriately attributed, accurate, and genuinely reflect your own vision and the contribution you can make to this project.

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.