KTP Associate in Integrating Capability-based Intelligent Automation Systems in Customer and Operations Processes

The successful candidate will secure a 24-month collaborative Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) position. The Associate will learn about capability-based organisational change, intelligent automation systems, and sales & customer relationship management methods from experts at Heriot-Watt University, before leading a project that considers an optimal approach for McDonald Water Storage Ltd to adopt new technologies to improve business performance.

The role represents an opportunity to shape how business process automation potentials can be identified and addressed long-term through capability-based participative change programmes. You’ll be at the heart of McDonald Water Storage’s management team working alongside David Stewart and Racheal Stewart to develop a successful programme to implement technological and organisational change. This role might suit someone who thrives at change management, technology integration, and effective communication & leadership.

This project, and its Associate, fulfils a critical role at McDonald Water Storage Ltd and will be responsible for the transfer of knowledge from Heriot-Watt University to McDonald Water Storage Ltd and contribute to market growth for the business. This shall include, but not be limited to, embedding knowledge and expertise within the McDonald Water Storage Ltd team on capability-based integration of intelligent automation technology into crucial business processes. This is a strategic imperative for the project. External expertise from Heriot-Watt is required to develop a new socio-technical approach implementing automation technology that matches the maturity level of the current and future organisational capabilities to drive business growth

This full-time position is funded by McDonald Water Storage Ltd and Innovate UK. The successful appointee shall be based at McDonald Water Storage Ltd’s premises in Glenrothes, and the project will also involve working with colleagues based at Heriot-Watt University’s Riccarton campus in Edinburgh. If the project is successful there may be an opportunity to secure a permanent post at McDonald Water Storage Ltd to continue commercialisation. The role will appeal to people currently engaged in work such as:

• Consultancy & Technology Adoption
• Sales & Operations
• Marketing & Communications

As a KTP Associate you will receive training as part of a cohort, training on McDonald Water Storage Ltd systems and processes and training time/budget for personal development.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:
• Plan and manage the activity of the project in line with the identified workplan.
• Produce a budget and risk register.
• Lead the analysis and interpretation of research data, and develop required outputs drawn from the research findings including
• Exploration of relevant existing socio-technical systems and dissemination to relevant stakeholder
• Organisational capabilities & skills profile
• Mapping of critical processes, technologies, and automation potentials
• Automation system implementation plan
• Training requirements and delivery plan
• Performance review system
• Project validation and evaluation
• Executive project report and handover presentation
• Actively participate in the activities of the wider business as a full member of the McDonald Water Storage Ltd Team.
• Translate findings into conference papers and presentations for gathering objective expert-level improvement feedback.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the salary of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all key duties and responsibilities.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in relevant discipline such as business management, marketing, operations management, technology management

Skills

• Strong project management across complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Data-literate; uses insights to inform strategic decisions

Attributes

• Proactive, self-motivated; works independently and collaboratively
• Passionate about automation and people-focused change
• Adaptable, resilient; manages change is dynamic environments

Desirable Criteria

Qualification

Master’s degree in business management or related discipline (e.g. Marketing, Operations Management, Technology Management)

Skills

• Understanding of the water tank manufacturing industry
• Experience with AI, CRM, and predictive modelling
• Strong communication skills to enable participative change
• Analytical, system thinking, and data literacy skills
• Experience in change management, process redesign, and AI/CRM implementation

Attributes

• Approachable and professional; builds stakeholder trust
• Collaborative leader with strong team focus
• Strong time and project management to deliver complex projects successfully on-time

Experience

• Proven delivery of technology-driven change
• Cross-functional experience in sales, marketing, operations
• AI and CRM implementation knowledge
• Delivers sustainable automation and digital transformation outcome

To transform McDonald Water Storage’s sales and customer processes by introducing digital tools, data‑driven decision‑making and an internal culture receptive to change and technology adoption.