International Marketing & Business Development KTP Associate

Job Description

Aston Business School
Location:
Birmingham-based industry-leading manufacturer

Salary:
£37,000 to £39,000 per annum

Contract Type:
Fixed Term (24 months)

Basis:
Full Time

Closing Date:
23:59 BST on Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Interview Date:
To be confirmed

Reference:
0128-25

Release Date:
Tuesday, 01 April 2025

About the Role

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project offers an exciting opportunity to drive innovation within a leading Birmingham-based manufacturer specializing in material handling equipment. The successful KTP Associate will apply business model innovation techniques and international marketing research to create solution-oriented offerings for global markets.

The position is based in a fast-growing, ambitious company with a strong revenue growth trajectory. The role provides autonomy, creativity, and ownership over impactful initiatives. The company is well-connected to Birmingham’s city center by public transport or walking, providing easy access to the area’s vibrant business environment.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a candidate qualified to MSc level, ideally with a BSc in industrial or mechanical engineering, followed by an MSc or MBA with a focus on international marketing and business model innovation.

Essential skills and experience include:

Business model innovation frameworks

B2B sales and marketing techniques

International marketing methodologies

Strategic change management in complex, dynamic environments

Engaging and managing stakeholders to drive business growth and success

Desirable experience:

At least two years of hands-on industrial experience in international marketing, global branding, or business model innovation.

Main Responsibilities

Redesign value propositions using business model innovation frameworks

Reconfigure value networks using relevant frameworks and tools

Conduct international competitor analysis

Segment international markets effectively

Develop international marketing strategies

Manage supply chain relationships

Embed skills, knowledge, frameworks, and tools within the organization

Promote entrepreneurial thinking within the company

Personal Attributes

Resilience and adaptability to work in a complex and dynamic international context

Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with various stakeholders

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Ability to work independently, showing initiative and leadership

Strong organizational and time management skills

A passion for pursuing innovative approaches and solutions

Additional Benefits and Support

Up to £4,000 for personal and professional development during the project

25 days of annual leave per year

Professional support and mentorship

Mental Health and Wellbeing support [link]

Flexible work arrangements based on performance

Career Prospects

This KTP role offers a fantastic pathway for a career in new business development or marketing. Notably, 60% of our KTP associates are offered employment with the company following the completion of the partnership.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) role, and it is important that applicants understand how KTP works and the key role they will play if selected. To learn more, visit www.aston.ac.uk/ktp.

The Company

The project will be carried out with a Birmingham-based, industry-leading manufacturer specializing in engineering and producing material handling equipment.

Aston University

As a KTP Associate, you will work alongside a project team consisting of experts from Aston University: Dr. Reza Marvi, Dr. Wendy Tabrizi, Dr. Geoff Parkes, Dr. Antonio Masi, and Mr. Ian McKechnie, alongside the Senior Management Team of the company, with support from the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

Location:
The role is based in Central Birmingham, West Midlands, with access to Aston University’s facilities. Some travel to Aston University and key clients will be required.

Informal Enquiries

For further information about the role, please contact Dr. Reza Marvi at r.marvi@aston.ac.uk.

If this opportunity doesn’t suit you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the UK at https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/.

Equal Opportunities

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and are particularly encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

We also strive to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and offer flexible working options where possible.

Disability Confident Employer:
Aston University guarantees an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the position.

Global Talent Visa

This role may meet the criteria for endorsement under the Global Talent visa route, available for individuals working in science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or the humanities. Please refer to the Home Office guidance for more information: Global Talent Visa.

To apply, please visit Aston University’s Job Portal for further details and submission instructions.