KTP Associate in Product Innovation & Market Strategy
Join to apply for the KTP Associate in Product Innovation & Market Strategy role at Heriot‑Watt University.
Role
Heriot‑Watt University and Warmhouse Ltd
Salary
£41,064 (plus substantial training budget) per annum.
Contract
Full‑Time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term (36 months)
Location
Bellshill, Scotland
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, before leading a project that considers an optimal approach for Warmhouse Ltd to develop an innovative product, from concept to practical development, including IP protection. It will also include establishing the most efficient route for product testing regimes for achieving industry accreditation, as well as optimisation of manufacturing processes. In parallel, a market strategy development and implementation will also be required, identifying opportunities to demonstrate the product for 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 operation from inception to launch, working alongside both the technical and management teams at Warmhouse and Heriot‑Watt University to develop the product and shape its future. This role might suit someone who thrives at taking direction and instruction but is also capable of meeting a challenge independently and developing ideas and initiatives while being an effective team player and communicator. This project, and its Associate, fulfils a critical role at Warmhouse Ltd and will be responsible for the transfer of knowledge from Heriot‑Watt University to Warmhouse and contribute to market growth for the business. It will include embedding knowledge and expertise within the Warmhouse team on how to securely develop, distribute and market the product – a strategic imperative for the project. External expertise from Heriot‑Watt is required to develop a new building materials for the construction sector to drive business growth.
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.
o Technical specifications for new innovative materials
o A comprehensive IP protection strategy
o Detailed reports on product testing
* Develop and agree a route map for the development of the product including testing regimes, manufacture 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.
Other Expectations
* A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all key duties and responsibilities.
* Significant travel to Edinburgh will be required throughout the project.
As a Valued Member of Our Team 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 alongside other Associates, protected time for self‑development and a professional development budget, which will be valuable to career development beyond the project.
* Opportunity to submit a paper to an international conference.
Essential Qualifications
* A 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 being Excel literate and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word. 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.
Desirable Qualifications
* 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.
About the Company
Warmhouse Ltd was established in 2018 as a sister company to BN Rendering Ltd. Warmhouse was initially established as a vehicle for undertaking Energy Efficiency projects to individual houses, whereas BN Rendering was engaged in larger projects across multiple properties for social landlords. Warmhouse is now the vehicle for both sectors of work. Over the last decade, we have delivered Energy Efficiency solutions and general works to circa 12,000 properties, including non‑residential properties such as schools. Our projects vary from all types of building insulation, to whole‑house decarbonisation projects including Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV Panels. Warmhouse is a small medium enterprise with a close family team that strives to deliver quality service with a focus on customer care. The company’s sole director, Laszlo Nemeth, is keen to improve delivery processes and encourage staff to generate ideas for improvement.
About Heriot‑Watt
Heriot‑Watt University has a reputation for world‑class teaching and leading‑edge, relevant research, making it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry. It has five campuses and offers distinctive degree programmes in science, engineering, design, business and languages.
About the School
The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) is a leading multidisciplinary research and teaching institution focused on sustainable society.
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.
Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Heriot‑Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and creating an environment where individuals are selected, trained, promoted and otherwise treated on the basis of merit and ability. We welcome applications from all sectors of society, especially from under‑represented groups and provide a supportive, inclusive culture.
Flexible Working
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns such as part‑time work and job share options.
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