This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project aims to enhance the competitive advantage of Aurrigo’s innovation in autonomous aviation baggage/ cargo handling systems through revolutionising its sales and marketing strategy.

Aurrigo International plc is a leading international provider of novel transport technology solutions. It is currently undergoing a period of rapid growth and is keen to capitalise on its suite of pioneering autonomous aviation solutions to accelerate customer acquisition and take advantage of significant first-to-market growth opportunities. This KTP project will transform Aurrigo’s marketing strategy, expand its customer base and build critical organisational capabilities, unlocking scalable revenue growth, and enabling Aurrigo to thrive during a period of exponential change.

This KTP is a great opportunity to lead a strategic commercial project, working with senior Aston University academics and Aurrigo staff on an innovation project which puts theory and modelling into practice.

Candidate Profile: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline plus a Master’s in a Management related discipline or MBA.

Skills/ experience required include:

• Proven application of skills in a commercial environment.
• Proficiency in B2B Sales & Marketing techniques
• Experience in change management and driving cultural transformation.
• Strong capabilities in process mapping & improvement
• Track record of effective stakeholder management
• Qualitative research skills
• Proficiency in data analysis techniques.

Main responsibilities:

• Lead this strategic project to revolutionise Aurrigo’s marketing and communication strategy and explore opportunities for business model innovation in a fast-paced environment and rapidly evolving technology area.
• Develop an understanding of the technical capabilities of Aurrigo’s novel products and services to design effective value propositions and marketing and communication strategies.
• Design, develop and validate a Decision Support Tool to enable informed decision making regarding customer acquisition and management
• Benchmark current and future state of operations, sales management process and performance targets
• Lead a change programme to transition this high-tech R&D focussed organisation to a sales and marketing led business
• Embed new knowledge, skills, practices and processes into Aurrigo via collaborative working, training and workshops.
• Disseminate project outputs through conference presentations, publications and trade exhibitions.

Personal attributes:

• A strong work ethic, high level of Professionalism and independence to deliver a successful project in a growing company operating in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and persuasion skills to work with multiple stakeholders and lead the company through a change programme.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to work within a cross-disciplinary project team
• Leadership and professionalism of communication and organisation skills to deliver the KTP project and ensure it achieves agreed milestones and objectives
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Strong desire to pursue innovative approaches and pathways and an interest in novel technologies
• Ability to work closely with all stakeholders and establish an effective knowledge transfer process in the company

Additional Benefits and support:

• Up to £4,000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project
• Annual leave (25 days p/a)
• Professional support and mentorship
• Mental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing

Career prospects:

60% of our KTP associates are offered employment by their host companies at the end of the KTP. KTP’s are a proven springboard for Associates who wish to develop careers in consultancy, change management, operations or as University academics in PhD programmes.

It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

The Company: Aurrigo International Plc (Aurrigo) is a leading international provider of transport technology solutions, designing and developing both vehicles and autonomous control systems in-house to ensure perfect pairing of hardware and software. The company has 3 key divisions: Automotive Technology solutions; Autonomous Technology and Aviation Technology.

More about the company: https://aurrigo.com/

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Dr Geoff Parkes, Dr Krishna Balthu, Dr Arezoo Fakhimi from Aston University and the Senior Management Team at Aurrigo International Plc with the support of the Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

Location: You will be based predominantly at Aurrigo International Plc in Coventry. You will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to key clients may also be required.

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Krishna Balthu, e-mail: k.balthu1@aston.ac.uk

If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/

Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter http://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charter-marks/athena-swan . We pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly, supportive working environment and collaborative atmosphere.

Please visit our website https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/Vacancies.aspx for further information and to apply online.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

The salary being offered for this role is below the minimum threshold for required to sponsor new applicants to the Skilled Worker route. However, Aston University may be able to sponsor the successful candidate if they:

• Are under 26 years old
• Have held a Student or Graduate visa in the last 2 years
• Are already in the UK with a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa issued before April 4th 2024

Please contact hr_immigration@aston.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your eligibility for Skilled Worker sponsorship.