KTP Associate - Process Digitalization

University of the West of Scotland – School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences

University of the West of Scotland in Partnership with Aberdeen Laundry Services Limited - ALS

Location: Aberdeen (Aberdeen Laundry Services Limited)

Full time: 37.5 hours per week

Fixed term: 30 months

This post relates to an ambitious multidisciplinary project aimed at supporting the company’s strategic growth plans. The goal is to accelerate sustainable growth by maximising operational efficiency, achieving top-tier environmental performance, and increasing business productivity.

The role focuses on the operations of a commercial laundry and will be supported by a team of experts in academia, engineering, environmental science, and operational control within the company. By combining knowledge in energy and chemical engineering, environmental science, waste management, and operations and quality management, the position aims to digitally transform the business. This transformation will involve integrating technology to measure, monitor, and report on various stages of the laundry operation, as well as identifying and implementing process improvements to meet performance objectives.

What you’ll be doing:

• Engaging and managing multiple stakeholders (internal and external, including regulatory bodies and compliance schemes);
• Acting as a lynch pin between ALS and UWS, delivering change and embedding operational improvements to address sustainability aims and product development;
• Bringing expertise to a business to support innovation and implement change in a dynamic operational environment;
• Development of business case for process improvements and investments in plant and infrastructure to maximise productivity and sustainability.
• Acting as a lynch pin between ALS and UWS, delivering change and embedding operational improvements to address sustainability aims and product development;

What we’re looking for:

Essential:

• Minimum MSc in Chemical/ Mechanical Engineering, and/or environmental management or process industry related (science/engineering) subject.
• Experience in a number of areas including energy recovery, conservation and management, waste management, process optimization and/or R&D;

Desirable:

• Chartered Membership of appropriate professional body (IChemE, IMechE, CIWEM etc)

• Ideally experience of working in cross-disciplinary teams of varying expertise and experience.
• Process operating optimization, energy improvement and waste reduction, materials and process optimisation, Data management / processing ensuring integrity

What you’ll get:

• £4,667 personal training budget + access to national KTP leadership training
• Dedicated support from both academic experts and senior company leaders
• The chance to publish academic work and attend conferences (if that interests you)

About the company

Aberdeen Laundry Services (ALS) provides commercial laundry services, linen hire, textile restoration, and workwear rental to various industries. www.aberdeenls.co.uk. Operating across 5 sites in Scotland. Aberdeen Laundry Services Limited is part of the ALS Group Holdings Limited, which also is the parent organisation for Cathkin Clean Scotland Limited. The group is a SME by virtue of headcount, turnover and balance sheet totals.

About KTP:

This position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK. It’s essential you understand how KTP works with business and the University, and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position. Please visit: www.uws.ac.uk/business/knowledge-expertise/knowledge-transfer-partnerships or contact Stuart McKay (stuart.mckay@uws.ac.uk)

Why UWS?

We support you – We are the only Scottish University to have a dedicated KTP centre, meaning you are fully supported throughout your time with the company by UWS staff. 

We are growing – In 2019, UWS were the top performing University in the UK by value of secured KTP projects. 

KTP is a strategic priority at UWS. The only Scottish University with a dedicated KTP Centre dedicated to supporting your KTP and professional development journey.

Interview date: Wednesday 20^th August 2025

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided)

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.