Manufacturing Operations & Digital Transformation Lead (KTP Associate)

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.

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.

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.

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.