Head of Unit
2 weeks ago
The Shoestring Unit aims to help small businesses across the world become more productive, resilient and sustainable – one step at a time – by understanding and embracing digital technologies. Based on research from the world leading Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, the Shoestring Unit’s role is to oversee the transition of the results of the EPSRC-funded Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring research project into a viable, self-sustaining industrial programme that supports SMEs.
Apply promptly A high volume of applicants is expected for the role as detailed below, do not wait to send your CV.
In the past 2.5 years the unit has taken the original research project outputs and:
- Developed simple, reusable low-cost digital solution offerings based on the needs of SMEs.
- Deployed digital solutions (now over 100 deployments since 2018) in SME manufacturers, which provide both operational impact and digital capability improvements, in a simple, low cost manner.
- Developed working models for regional deployment programmes of Shoestring solutions and has run collaborative regional pilots in Scotland, Northern Ireland, East of England, Cornwall, Western Australia and Egypt.
- Piloted training, skills and educational support for low-cost digital solutions in conjunction with FE colleges and training developers.
- Provided leadership in the area of practical and low-cost digitalisation policy and programmes, working with local and national government bodies such as Innovate UK, BEIS, Scottish Enterprise, NMIS and the Western Australian government.
The Unit now needs a Head to set its direction in this new phase, focusing on achieving scaling, creating robust regional delivery models and national impact for SMEs. The Head of the Shoestring Unit role is critical as the national profile of this work is raised and as the Unit seeks to develop a complex set of local and regional programmes. The Shoestring programme has the potential to make a real impact on productivity in small companies, helping local economies, safeguarding jobs and upskilling employees in the UK and across the globe.
The Shoestring Unit is funded by the Gatsby Foundation and other industrial partners. It is incorporated within IfM Engage, a company which is wholly owned by the University of Cambridge. Profits from IfM Engage are gifted to the University of Cambridge to fund future research activities. The Shoestring Unit also works directly with the Distributed Information & Automation Lab (DIAL) within the Institute for Manufacturing. DIAL, led by Professor Duncan McFarlane, undertake ongoing research in this area via a range of funded grants.
Role Summary
The Head of the Unit has the following main responsibilities:
· Develop and execute a strategy for ensuring the sustainable operations of the Unit beyond 2026
· Deliver the programme of work agreed with the Gatsby Foundation for the period 2024-2026
This programme of work for the unit is focussed on increasing UK deployments of Shoestring solutions and training, with particular reference to the role the Further Education sector can play in this area. Specific activities include:
Activity 1: Expanding the Development of Local Shoestring Capabilities
Working with FE Colleges and local organisations, the Unit will develop models for local training, solution development and delivery.
Activity 2: Running Local Shoestring Deployment Programmes
Demonstrate the ability for local Shoestring deployments to be supported in areas centred around key technical capabilities (likely FE Colleges). This series of programmes is intended to inform broader national policy.
Activity 3: Creating Tools / Methods / Solutions to support Shoestring Developments
Creating a range of simple low-cost tools to support Shoestring deployments and programmes is therefore critical to the success of the capability development and programmes in Activities 1 and 2.
Activity 4: Achieving A National & International Profile
Providing a direct, simple and accessible pathway for getting small companies started in digitalisation and raising that to a national level will contribute to helping SMEs survive.
· Develop and deliver additional programmes of work which support the overall aims of Shoestring
· Team leadership
· Quality and Impact
· Financial reporting
To drive forward the Shoestring mission of supporting small manufacturers to start digitalising, we are looking for an effective leader with strong skills in in strategic planning and coordinating programmes of activities. Find out more about Shoestring at www.digitalshoestring.net, find out more about the role at engage.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/careers/
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Cambridge, United Kingdom Shoestring | Digital Manufacturing Full timeThe Shoestring Unit aims to help small businesses across the world become more productive, resilient and sustainable – one step at a time – by understanding and embracing digital technologies. Based on research from the world leading Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, the Shoestring Unit’s role is to oversee the transition of the...
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Cambridge, United Kingdom Shoestring | Digital Manufacturing Full timeThe Shoestring Unit aims to help small businesses across the world become more productive, resilient and sustainable – one step at a time – by understanding and embracing digital technologies. Based on research from the world leading Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, the Shoestring Unit’s role is to oversee the transition of the...
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Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom Shoestring | Digital Manufacturing Full timeThe Shoestring Unit aims to help small businesses across the world become more productive, resilient and sustainable - one step at a time - by understanding and embracing digital technologies. Based on research from the world leading Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, the Shoestring Unit’s role is to oversee the transition of the results...
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Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom Shoestring | Digital Manufacturing Full timeJob Description The Shoestring Unit aims to help small businesses across the world become more productive, resilient and sustainable – one step at a time – by understanding and embracing digital technologies. Based on research from the world leading Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, the Shoestring Unit’s role is to oversee the...
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Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom Shoestring | Digital Manufacturing Full timeThe Shoestring Unit aims to help small businesses across the world become more productive, resilient and sustainable – one step at a time – by understanding and embracing digital technologies. Based on research from the world leading Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, the Shoestring Unit’s role is to oversee the transition of the...
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Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom Shoestring | Digital Manufacturing Full timeThe Shoestring Unit aims to help small businesses across the world become more productive, resilient and sustainable – one step at a time – by understanding and embracing digital technologies. Based on research from the world leading Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, the Shoestring Unit’s role is to oversee the transition of the...
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Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom Shoestring | Digital Manufacturing Full timeThe Shoestring Unit aims to help small businesses across the world become more productive, resilient and sustainable – one step at a time – by understanding and embracing digital technologies. Based on research from the world leading Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, the Shoestring Unit’s role is to oversee the transition of the...
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Head of Unit
2 weeks ago
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom Shoestring | Digital Manufacturing Full timeThe Shoestring Unit aims to help small businesses across the world become more productive, resilient and sustainable – one step at a time – by understanding and embracing digital technologies. Based on research from the world leading Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, the Shoestring Unit’s role is to oversee the transition of the...
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Head of Unit
2 weeks ago
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom Shoestring | Digital Manufacturing Full timeJob Description The Shoestring Unit aims to help small businesses across the world become more productive, resilient and sustainable – one step at a time – by understanding and embracing digital technologies. Based on research from the world leading Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, the Shoestring Unit’s role is to oversee the...
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Head of Unit
2 weeks ago
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