The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join a three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between AMRC Cymru (part of the University of Sheffield AMRC Group) and Leader Optec Limited, a leading UK manufacturer of bespoke, installation-ready fibre-optic cable assemblies for harsh-environment applications, based in St. Asaph, North Wales.

As the KTP Associate, you will be employed by the University of Sheffield but based predominantly at Leader Optec in St. Asaph, with regular time at AMRC Cymru's facility in Broughton, North Wales, accessing the wider AMRC network of digital manufacturing expertise, validated tools and specialist support.

You will lead a three-pillar transformation programme: building an Agile Shopfloor through Lean and Six Sigma practices; developing a Digital Platform that replaces legacy systems with integrated, bespoke ERP tools for planning, production tracking and commercial operations; and embedding Change and Leadership Capability by evolving Leader Optec's Leadership Development Team (LDT) into the long-term engine of continuous improvement and digital transformation. This is a hands-on project leadership role, combining practical manufacturing improvement and digital systems development with the opportunity to influence operational strategy and organisational change.

You will take ownership of project delivery alongside Leader Optec's management team, supported by academic and industrial supervisors and an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Adviser. The KTP also provides opportunities for professional development, including funded management training and a dedicated development budget.

Candidates should bring a genuine interest in Lean, digital systems, and data-driven problem-solving, enjoying working across all business levels to drive new ways of working.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the three-year KTP project workplan covering initial project setup, process mapping, lean shopfloor assessment, digital production tracking, and agile planning and scheduling tools, taking ownership of milestones and deliverables throughout the partnership.
• Work with Leader Optec's Senior Management Team and Leadership Development Team (LDT) to define KPIs and develop a structured roadmap for continuous improvement and digital transformation.
• Undertake a baseline assessment of existing manufacturing processes, using appropriate Lean and continuous improvement techniques to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Lead shopfloor engagement activities to introduce and embed Lean, Agile and continuous improvement principles, supporting the development of shopfloor champions and establishing a regular programme of improvement workshops.
• Review the existing shopfloor layout and manufacturing workflows, exploring, trialling and implementing improved configurations using appropriate analytical and iterative approaches.
• Research and evaluate suitable digital platforms for developing and integrating bespoke business management tools, including supplier engagement and solution selection, ensuring the chosen approach is scalable and maintainable by Leader Optec.
• Develop and implement improved resource planning and scheduling tools, incorporating a skills matrix to support more effective, data-driven production planning.
• Develop and implement digital job card and production tracking capabilities, incorporating appropriate dashboards and integration with existing business systems.
• Develop an integrated information hub connecting sales, procurement and commercial operations, identifying opportunities to automate workflows and improve information sharing and decision-making.
• Engage, train and support staff across all levels of Leader Optec through workshops and one-to-one sessions, embedding project knowledge within the LDT and wider workforce.
• Manage project delivery, including timescales, budget, risks and resources, and report progress regularly to project stakeholders.
• Contribute to the dissemination of project outcomes through publications and presentations at regional and national events.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

This will consist of an application screening process followed by an interview process with a short presentation. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Sian Price, s.a.price@amrc.co.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, with company closure arrangements aligned with Leader Optec.
• A dedicated £6,000 KTP professional development budget, supporting training and development activities throughout the programme.
• Two residential KTP management and leadership training modules at Ashorne Hill (executive training provider), providing opportunities to develop business and leadership skills alongside other KTP Associates.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Access to the University of Sheffield pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your professional development, including access to learning and mentoring opportunities.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Note: Car parking charges apply for staff at the AMRC Cymru (£13 / month 2026-27) for University sustainability targets.

Closing Date : 02/12/2026 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.