Digital Transformation Lead – Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate

Join the University of Sunderland, renowned internationally for its quality teaching and 'world-leading' research. We are looking for an outstanding and ambitious Digital Transformation Lead to join our Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

This role is based at iPac Packaging Innovations in Gateshead and is a 30-month fixed-term contact.

About iPaciPac Packaging Innovations is a family run manufacturer of recycled packaging for the food and pharmaceutical industries.Established in 2017 with a focus on Innovation, Quality, Customer Service and Sustainability, iPac has grown rapidly from a standing start to turnover of over £20m within 7 years. Now operating from two sites in the North East, and employing over 90 people, iPac is quickly establishing itself as a market leader in the UK thermoformed packaging sector. iPac is proud to be a family run business, and the management team foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork and inclusivity, with a company-wide common aim of delivering excellence across:•Product Quality•Service Delivery•Company Culture•Corporate Social & Environmental Responsibility

About the roleYour responsibilities will include managing and delivering an Innovate UK awarded KTP between the University of Sunderland and iPac Packaging Innovations, focusing on a strategic innovation programme within the company to significantly improve performance.As a team member, you will help design and implement a cutting-edge, data-driven manufacturing environment—bringing technologies like Digital Twin, automation, and predictive analytics into real-world production.

Please note this role is not under a University of Sunderland contract and will be under a host company following their terms and conditions - if you would like further information on their T&Cs/benefits please contact Amelia Beaumont - amelia.beaumont@sunderland.ac.uk

What you can bringA prerequisite for this position is a 2:1 degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering. Support, guidance and training will be provided. Generous budget of personal training and development will be made available for your professional development, which can be tailored to address gaps in knowledge required to deliver this project and develop skills for future career progression. Travel and substance budget and residential leadership and management courses are available to support the delivery of the project and your development. 

Equality, diversity & inclusion 

We strongly believe that an inclusive university, where a diverse range of individuals feel valued and have equal opportunity to get into work and reach their potential, is good for our staff, students, university, and society.

Our work on equality, diversity and inclusivity has never been more important. We believe inclusivity is an essential value at the heart of what we do, and we want all our staff to be part of that journey with us. Our recent staff survey conducted in 2023 showed that 97% of our staff believed that we were committed to achieving an inclusive university.

The closing date for applications is 6 July (23.59 GMT).

For any questions about this role, please contact Dr Abdu Shaalan, Lecturer in Engineering at Abdu.Shaalan@sunderland.ac.uk

Closing Date: 06 Jul 2025

Team: Research

Salary: £32,500 to £37,500 per annum