KTP Associate in Product Innovation & Market Strategy
Job Title: KTP Associate in Product Innovation & Market Strategy (Heriot‑Watt University and Warmhouse Ltd)
Salary: £41,064 per annum (plus substantial training budget).
Contract: Full‑Time (35 hours per week), Fixed‑Term (36 months)
Location: Bellshill, Scotland (significant travel to Edinburgh required).
Detailed Description: Are you a creative and driven individual ready to shape the future of sustainable building materials? The successful candidate will secure a 36‑month collaborative Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) position. The Associate will learn about innovative materials and manufacturing methods from experts at Heriot‑Watt University, then lead a project that considers an optimal approach for Warmhouse Ltd to develop an innovative product, from concept to practical development, including IP protection. This will also include establishing the most efficient route for product testing regimes for achieving industry accreditation, optimisation of manufacturing processes, and a market strategy development and implementation to identify opportunities to demonstrate the product to prospective clients.
The role represents an opportunity to influence the future strategies of how the product is produced, to shape how this new and exciting product will be introduced to the market and distributed and sold. You will be at the heart of operations from inception to launch, working alongside both the technical and management teams at Warmhouse and Heriot‑Watt University. This role might suit someone who thrives at taking direction and instruction but who also is capable of meeting a challenge independently and developing ideas and initiatives while being an effective team player and communicator.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
* Plan and manage the activity of the project in line with the identified workplan. Produce a budget and risk register.
* Lead the development, analysis and interpretation of research data, and develop required outputs drawn from the research findings including technical specifications for new innovative materials, detailed reports on product testing, and a route map for product development covering testing regimes, manufacturing process, logistics, and marketing strategy.
* Test prototypes and establish a testing campaign for the products, including required and desirable parameters, and report on outcomes to key Heriot‑Watt and Warmhouse staff.
* Support the commercialisation process by identifying and engaging with potential customers and stakeholders for live product testing.
* Create a robust knowledge transfer framework to embed new expertise in materials science and market strategy within the Warmhouse team.
* Contribute to the preparation of academic and commercial papers, as well as presentations for conferences and industry events.
* Actively participate in the activities of the wider business as a full member of the Warmhouse Team.
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.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
* Degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant subject area such as Material Science, Engineering or a related field.
* Written communication skills with experience of using data to build reports/articles/presentations.
* Verbal communication skills with experience of workshops/engaging stakeholders/giving oral presentations. An active listener and challenging questioner.
* Effective teamwork and interpersonal skills – understanding of roles, coordination, empathy and organisational citizenship.
* Experience of leading a project and working within defined budgets and timelines.
* IT skills including Excel literacy and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
* Great organisational skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
* The candidate must be a creative problem solver with a strong capacity for self‑motivation and independent work.
* Empathetic, with a genuine commitment to the success of the project.
* Ability to manage and prioritise a demanding workload, with strong time‑management skills.
* Knowledge of construction industry, particularly in relation to heritage building conservation.
* Advanced research skills (such as MRes, MPhil, PhD) and a curiosity to learn – this could be an alternative to a PostDoc.
* Experience in product testing and quality assurance procedures.
* Experience of identifying market/business opportunities.
* Knowledge of IP protection and patenting processes.
Benefits and What You Can Expect
* A competitive salary of £41,064 per annum, with a review during the project.
* An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
* Work with experts in the Carbon Reduction Industry and Construction at Warmhouse Ltd and Heriot‑Watt University to make real improvements to the built environment in the UK and abroad.
* As a KTP Associate, you will be part of the national Knowledge Transfer Partnerships scheme and entitled to specialist management training, protected time for self‑development and a professional development budget.
* Opportunity to submit a paper to an international conference.
About the Company
Warmhouse Ltd was established in 2018 as a sister company to the established BN Rendering Ltd. Warmhouse has delivered Energy Efficiency solutions and general works to around 12,000 properties, including schools. The company specialises in whole‑house decarbonisation projects with insulation and renewable installations. Warmhouse is an SME with a close family team focused on quality service and continuous improvement.
About Heriot‑Watt
Heriot‑Watt University has a reputation for world‑class teaching and leading‑edge research, and is one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry. The University offers a diverse range of programmes across science, engineering, design, business and languages.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post, and a full CV via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment system.
Applications must be submitted by midnight on Thursday 1st January 2026.
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