Logistics Operational Analyst (Simulation-Optimisation) KTP Associate (Fixed Term for 24 Months)

Location: 

Multiple Campuses

Closing Date: 

23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 11 February 2024

Interview Date: 

See advert

We offer an exciting opportunity for an ambitious graduate to manage a collaborative innovation partnership between The School of Engineering and the Built Environment at Birmingham City University (BCU) and Accident Exchange (AX) Limited, a leading service provider in the UK vehicle replacement market as a Logistics Operational Analyst (Simulation-Optimisation) KTP Associate.

We are looking to recruit a graduate in Operational Research, Computer Science, Logistics and Supply Chain, or another quantitative subject, to undertake this 24-month project. The overall aim of this project is to develop Data Science, Simulation and Optimization solutions to predict demand, determine depot locations, allocate inventory, and effectively manage fleet and drivers.

AX provides accident claim management and related services including replacement vehicles to the automotive sector. AX-Automotive has a very large-scale logistics operation with thousands of vehicles and a significant number of drivers in its fleet.  Designing an efficient network of logistics and managing fleet operations effectively are critical for the company, its competitiveness, and sustainability. The KTP will optimise both day-to-day decisions on vehicles and drivers and medium-term decisions on fleet make up and depot location with the aim of meeting their obligations under service level agreements with their customers at lowest possible cost. For further information https://www.ax-uk.com/

The graduate known as the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate role presents a unique and exciting opportunity to work in collaboration with leading academics at BCU to apply knowledge and technical innovation, delivered on site at the company. The KTP Associate should have a minimum 2.1 University qualification and graduated within the last five years and hold at least an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area.

This position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme co-funded by a grant through Innovate UK.  It is 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. KTPs offer a wide range of benefits including access to a £4,000 Personal Development budget to upskill during the project. For more information please go to:   http://bcuadvantage.co.uk/funding/knowledge-transfer-partnerships

LOCATION AND REPORTING

• This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate position will be based at AX offices and premises with some hybrid working. The head office of AX is in in Lichfield, Staffordshire.
• The Associate will have full access to Birmingham City University's resources such as offices, labs, and library to complete the project.
• The Associate will lead on the technical development of the project, working directly with a range of AX-A personnel and company managers. They will also be supported by world-leading academics from BCU’s School of Engineering and the Built Environment.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Associate will work on the following work packages:

• Review and evaluate AX-A’s existing systems and supply chain network including its suppliers to plan the overall solution approach and develop the feasibility study
• Review the relevant academic literature
• Developing a prediction model for accidents
• Developing simulation optimization model for the supply chain network and fleet management
• Workforce scheduling and routing
• Developing a Decision Support System (DSS)
• The Associate must also adapt at applying their knowledge to commercial projects, driving value and making an impact where possible, with an ability to solve problems and create innovative solutions.
• Document research outputs and disseminate results to stakeholders, at conferences and peer-reviewed journal papers.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential 

• Has a PhD or MSc in in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Operational Research, Computer Science, Logistics and Supply Chain, or a related discipline along with relevant work or project experience.
• Can integrate datasets from different sources and manipulate data from big data databases.
• Experience in using machine learning algorithms for developing prediction models.
• Ability to use simulation software and develop optimization models.
• Proficiency in computer programming such as Java or Python.
• Excellent communication skills
• An ability to work to tight deadlines (with attention to detail) and maintain high standards of work
• An ability and aptitude to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Self-starter and self-motivated, who is happy to work alone and as part of an embedded team, and self-management and planning skills to make optimum use of time; and
• Strong organisational and leadership skills in successfully implementing and embedding new innovations within a company or organisation

Desirable

• Academic acumen to enable successful reporting through research publications in academic journals and marketing/training materials;
• A driving licence and a willingness to travel to depots, suppliers and relevant stakeholders throughout the UK;
• Practical experience of working in fleet and/or supply chain management.
• On a personal note, the Associate should be enthusiastic, motivated, punctual, conscientious, trustworthy and a good team worker.

For further information please contact Omer Ozturkoglu at [email protected]   or Rashid Maqbool  [email protected] . 

Interviews to take place week commencing w/c 26th February 2024.

The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University.