AI & Digital Transformation (KTP Associate)

Job Title:AI & Digital Transformation Engineer (KTP Associate)

Ulster University and Heron Manufacture Ltd

School: School of Computing

Location: Heron Manufacture Ltd, 2 St Patricks Street, Draperstown, Magherafelt, BT45 7A

Salary: £38,000 to £40,000 per annum

Closing Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026 at 23:30

(Full-time/ Fixed-Term for 3 Years)

Reference Number: 043686

THE BUSINESS

Heron Manufacture Limited is part of the Heron Group, a long-established family business founded in 1956. The company has developed a strong reputation within the construction and manufacturing sectors, combining skilled craftsmanship with modern manufacturing capability to deliver high-quality bespoke products for projects across the UK and Ireland.

Heron Joinery, one of the divisions of Heron Manufacture Limited, specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke timber windows and doors for residential, commercial and large-scale construction projects. The business manages the full process from design and technical specification through to manufacture and delivery, working closely with customers, contractors and supply chain partners to meet demanding project requirements.

Operating in a competitive construction supply chain, Heron Joinerys work is highly bespoke, with projects often involving varied specifications, complex cost structures and detailed production planning. Accuracy, responsiveness, quality and efficiency are therefore central to the companys continued success.

Heron is now investing in digital transformation and AI-enabled systems to strengthen its estimating, pricing, production planning, workflow management and workforce capability. Through this Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Ulster University, the company aims to build on its strong manufacturing expertise while developing new digital capabilities that support long-term growth, improved efficiency and continued competitiveness in the bespoke joinery sector.

THE ROLE

Heron Manufacture Limited, in partnership with Ulster University, is offering an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated graduate or postgraduate in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Digital Manufacturing or a related discipline to work as a KTP Associate.

The successful candidate will lead the development of an AI-enabled digital transformation platform to improve estimating accuracy, quotation generation, production planning and business decision-making across Heron's operations.

This strategically important role offers the opportunity to apply AI, machine learning and digital technologies within a real-world manufacturing environment while working closely with industry and academic experts.

KTP PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project will develop and embed an AI-driven digital transformation strategy within Heron's bespoke joinery operations, helping the business transition from largely manual processes to a more scalable, data-informed operating model.

The Associate will design and implement intelligent tools to support customer enquiry management, requirements analysis, estimating, quotation preparation, production planning, workflow coordination and organisational knowledge capture.

The role will involve artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, data engineering, software development, process improvement and change management. Working closely with Heron staff and Ulster University academics, the Associate will design, test, validate and embed solutions into live business processes.

The project aims to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, estimating accuracy, pricing consistency, customer responsiveness and workforce capability while providing valuable experience in applied AI, digital manufacturing, stakeholder engagement and project leadership.

BENEFITS

This KTP provides an excellent opportunity to apply your knowledge to a real industry challenge while receiving supervision and mentoring from Ulster University experts Dr Rafferty and Prof Cadden in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Additional benefits include:

- £15,000 training, development, equipment and travel budget

- Free management training and development

- Free postgraduate study opportunities at Ulster University (where appropriate)

- 10% dedicated Associate development time

- Opportunities to publish research with academic supervisors

- Competitive salary

- Highly transferable skills and experience

- Excellent career development prospects through the KTP programme

ABOUT YOU

Applicants should hold a 2:1 honours degree or above in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Engineering, Digital Manufacturing, Business Analytics or a closely related discipline. A relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable but not essential.

Applicants should demonstrate experience in three or more of the following:

- Artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive modelling or applied data science

- Programming, particularly Python, and relevant software development or machine learning frameworks

- Working with real-world datasets, including data preparation, modelling, testing and validation

- Natural language processing, large language models, generative AI or workflow automation

- Software development, systems integration, dashboards, user interfaces or deployment of digital tools

- Digital transformation, process improvement, workflow mapping or change management

- Manufacturing, construction, supply chain, estimating, pricing or production planning environments

- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

- Project management, organisation and problem-solving skills

The successful candidate will be ambitious, commercially aware and capable of working across academic and industrial environments. They should be confident engaging with stakeholders, gathering requirements, developing solutions and supporting the adoption of AI-enabled technologies.

Further information can be found in the Candidate Briefing Document.

The appointment is for three years. Although employed by Ulster University, the Associate will be based at Heron Manufacture Ltd in Draperstown. Successful completion of the KTP may lead to a permanent opportunity with the company.

Both Heron Manufacture Ltd and Ulster University are Equal Opportunities employers.

WHJS1_NI