Product Development Engineer (Ktp Associate)

Product Development Engineer (KTP Associate)

Ulster University and Heron Manufacturing Limited
School: School of Engineering
Business Location: Heron Manufacturing Ltd. 2 St Patricks St, Draperstown, Magherafelt BT45 7A
Salary: £30,000 - £36,000
Closing Date: 4th August 2024 at 23:30
Interview Date: 12-14th August 2024
Full time, Fixed-term two-year post
Reference Number: 028882

THE BUSINESS

Heron Manufacture Limited was established in 1997 after the consolidation of 3 Manufacturing divisions within Heron Bros Limited, i.e. Heron Joinery, ProMOULD, and HERON FIT OUT, and supplies products to the construction sector.

The KTP is based in the Heron Joinery manufacturing division which supplies high quality timber windows and doors solutions to a range of commercial and residential clients, primarily within the GB market. The Heron Joinery business has grown significantly over recent years, with a current turnover of £12M and 121 FTEs.

Heron Joinery commercial clients are larger, strategic contracts typically lasting between 3-4 years (e.g. schools, hospitals & hotels etc) represent circa 60% of sales.

THE ROLE

Heron Manufacture Limited in partnership with Ulster University, has established a 2-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Project and is offering an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and highly motivated individual to work as a KTP Associate to oversee the design, development and introduction to production of the next generation Eco-friendly sash window.

KTP PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The KTP will focus on helping Heron to a market leadership position in next generation sustainable wooden windows and doors by introducing the 'NextGen' Sash Window. A New Product Development centre of excellence will be established to design, develop and test the next generation suite of innovative, market-led, value-added products that meet upcoming environmental legislative requirements and embeds sustainable New Product Development capabilities organisation-wide. The KTP will play a significant role in accelerating Heron’s path to Net Zero.

BENEFITS -

This KTP project provides a unique opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to a real industry challenge, whilst benefitting from industrial and academic supervision and mentoring from Ulster University’s experts: Professor Margaret Morgan, Professor Trevor Cadden and Mr Wesley McKnight, who will enhance your technical expertise in New Product Development and sustainable smart manufacturing practices. As a KTP Associate, you will also acquire new skills in strategic leadership that can help to super-charge your career. Additional benefits include:

• Generous £12k Training, Development, Equipment & Travel Budget dedicated to project delivery, which includes but is not limited to training and courses to enhance research skills as well as for critical networking with key players in the field, specific software system licences, etc.
• FREE formal management training and development
• FREE University postgraduate study opportunity, including 2 years of part time PhD study if appropriate
• 10% Associate development time built into work plan
• Opportunity to work with academics to develop scientific articles to be published in peer-reviewed, world-class academic journals
• Competitive salary
• Enhanced skills and experience that are marketable and highly transferable
• KTPs accelerate careers

ABOUT YOU

Applicants should hold an honours degree in engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering design, engineering management, technology with design, or a closely related discipline at 2:1 or above, or have substantive (i.e. 5 years or more) manufacturing and product design experience in the building supplies sector.

The Associate should have good skills and experience in the following areas:

• Principles and practice of product design and innovation
• Sustainable manufacturing and linkages with supply chain management
• Engineered and natural materials and performance characterisation
• Project planning and management for New Product Development

Further information can be found in the candidate briefing document.

The appointment will be for a period of two years and, although the post is administratively linked to the University, the Associate will be based at the Company’s premises in Draperstown. Successful completion of the KTP may lead to a new position within the company partner at the end of the project period.

For further information and to submit your application, click APPLY NOW.

Both Heron Manufacturing Group Ltd and Ulster University are Equal Opportunities employers.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.