This is an exciting opportunity to work full time on a 30-month collaborative partnership between Anglia Ruskin University and Wealmoor Limited. The project will embed continuous improvement practices and analytics capabilities to enable measurable reductions in cost, waste, and environmental impact, creating a more competitive tendering proposition to clients.
About Wealmoor Ltd
Wealmoor Ltd is a long‑established, forward‑thinking, family‑owned business specialising in the growing, packing and marketing of subtropical fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world; it also produces homegrown seasonal vegetables and herbs. Wealmoor grows exotic fruit and premium vegetables in Peru, Kenya, The Gambia, Spain, Brazil, Senegal and many other countries, in addition to UK farms. The company’s mission is to sustainably grow, source, market and deliver high‑value fresh produce while positively impacting communities and local environments, achieved through the Wealmoor Way Foundation.
About the role
This position offers an excellent opportunity to engage in cutting‑edge research while working closely with an industry partner to drive innovation and commercial impact. The role suits an expert, agile project manager with competencies in lean management, value stream mapping and operational analytics, ideally supported by a background in industry‑related process review and value chain optimisation. You will work at the interface of academia and industry, gaining experience in data analysis, operational excellence, analytics and commercial translation. You will lead a complex project within a fast‑paced fresh produce environment, designing and conducting lean‑based activities, presenting findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders and up‑skilling internal champions to ensure a lasting legacy of continuous improvement. The role provides a rare opportunity to apply scientific skills in a commercially focused environment, broaden professional development and make a tangible impact within a key industry sector.
You will be employed by Anglia Ruskin University but based at Wealmoor Ltd’s Greenford factory in Middlesex.
Requirements
* Essential to have an MSc (desirably a PhD) in operations management, supply chain management or industrial engineering.
* Undertaken research in industry‑related process review, operational excellence (lean Six Sigma) and value chain optimisation.
* Experience in data-driven operations and supply chains, participatory methods for value chain analysis/value stream mapping.
* Knowledge of automation/technology deployment.
* Knowledge of PowerBI or SQL.
* Experience of project management.
* Strong prioritisation, organisation and time‑management skills.
* Pro‑active, with strong leadership skills.
* Ability to build strong relationships and trust across the organisation, establishing credibility and working cooperatively with others.
* Presentation skills, oral and writing skills.
Benefits for the Associate
Develop Skills
* Work in a cutting‑edge, industry‑leading, highly commercial food sector environment.
* Gain access to world‑leading academics.
* Opportunity to gain further qualifications and certifications.
* Dedicated training time and a generous training budget – £5,000.
Take the Lead
* Project lead, managing own workload and ensuring outputs.
* Direct problem‑solving activities and own learning.
* Creative freedom to suggest changes and develop the project plan.
Interact
* Continuous support from academic and business supervisors.
* Work with innovative and ambitious staff, including regular contact with key senior management.
* liaise with current and new Wealmoor customers and see the real‑life impact of your work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on short‑listed candidates.
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Candidates must have a current Right to Work in the UK covering the full duration of the project, or apply for and have in place a Global Talent Visa in advance of project commencement, covering the duration of the project. Any pending applications will be reviewed by ARU’s HR Immigration Compliance Team prior to interview.
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