Decarbonisation, Design & Manufacturing – KTP Associate

We are looking to recruit an experienced practitioner or researcher to work on a collaborative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) for a 36-month project between United Welsh Group the industry partner and Cardiff Metropolitan University (UK Knowledge Base). United Welsh Group (UWG) is a Welsh based housing provider with over 6,800 homes and employs approximately 400 people.

You will work collaboratively with UWG to deliver the KTP project aims and objectives, and you will receive support from supervisors at Cardiff Metropolitan University and UWG. For more information about KTPs see Home - Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work as an embedded researcher with one of Wales’s most innovative and award-winning organisations (UWG) who are passionate about building low-to-net zero carbon homes, to create communities and transforming lives. The KTP project is led by the university’s Sustainable and Resilient Built Environment research group, which has an excellent track record in delivering Outstanding awarded KTP projects. 

You will deliver real change at an organisational level for carbon reduction and innovative offsite manufactured circular fabric solutions to be realised in new dwellings during the KTP project, to enhance occupant lives and mitigate the climate emergency. 

You will lead the way by:

• Supporting UWG’s transition to net zero carbon.
• Calculating and benchmarking organisational carbon emissions and establishing carbon reduction opportunities. 
• Optimising and developing manufacturing systems and processes for low to net zero carbon 2D and 3D timber frame construction fabric solutions. 
• Implementing quality assessment processes to improve performance and waste reduction in the manufacture, construction and operation of low to net zero carbon dwellings.

What you’ll bring

You will bring technical expertise and collaborative skills that you will leverage to drive innovative, sustainable design solutions, manage complex projects, and deliver clear insights across diverse locations. In the role you will: 

• Use your expertise to contribute to net-zero-carbon design process enhancement, including use of sustainable materials, offsite manufacturing and circular timer-frame systems and componentry.
• Apply expertise in 2D/3D Computer aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), and building information modelling to support design processes.
• Use your research knowledge and experience to conduct research via publications and participant surveys and deliver clear structured reports on presentations.
• Use your expertise to manage and analyse technical data, ensuring findings are communicated effectively.
• Use your relationship management skills to build strong relationships and work collaboratively to deliver impactful outcomes.
• Use your project management skills, including budget oversight, administrative coordination and problem solving to ensure that KTP project tasks within your area of responsibility are run smoothly, with milestones and outputs delivered on time.
• Be willing to travel independently to project sites across Wales, the UK, and occasionally internationally, including locations not accessible by public transport.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development. 

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Annual leave of 30 days plus bank holidays plus 2 concessionary days 
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

The KTP project provides an annual training and development budget for the Associate, including a management training programme managed by InnovateUK: Case study ktp - Ashorne Hill. 

Contact us

For more information about the role please contact Dr John Littlewood, Professor of Sustainable and Resilient Buildings on jlittlewood@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

All applications must be submitted online.  

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.