Full-time, fixed term (24 months)

We are seeking an ambitious, talented, and motivated individual to lead an exciting and innovative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Shipley-based SME, Specialised Covers Limited (SCL) and Leeds Beckett University’s Business School.

This 24-month project will drive innovation in strategic management, enhancing organisational performance and enabling bespoke marketing strategies that support growth and diversification across UK and global markets, powered by digital transformation.

The Role

Supported by a comprehensive project plan, the successful candidate will work closely with key stakeholders across the business, with input and guidance from an experienced multi-disciplinary academic team to:

• Lead targeted internationalisation and diversification strategies using robust market intelligence to identify high value opportunities and strengthen SCL’s market footprint.
• Expand core business through strategic partnerships, leveraging SCL’s brand integrity and advanced market insight to guide strategic decisions and positioning.
• Oversee evidence led marketing initiatives grounded in real-time data and analysis, competitive intelligence and benchmarking, segmentation, targeting and positioning to enhance brand performance.
• Drive digital transformation by embedding AI enabled tools, digital workflows, and smarter working practices to increase efficiency, customer engagement, and organisational resilience.
• Strengthen organisational capabilities through the implementation and embedding of structured management frameworks.
• Facilitate expert guidance and regulatory standards to support market entry and mitigate compliance risks to support smooth international market entry.

The Company

Established in 1981 in Shipley, Specialised Covers Ltd (SCL) is a leading UK designer and manufacturer of bespoke protective covers for vehicles, leisure products, and specialist equipment. Operating in the premium textile and automotive accessories market, SCL is recognised for exceptional product quality, rapid turnaround times, and outstanding customer service.

SCL serves both B2B and B2C markets through direct online sales and established trade partnerships. With one of the industry’s most comprehensive pattern libraries, covering over 30,000 vehicles and more than 80,000 caravan variations, SCL produces all covers in-house to rigorous British standards, using advanced manufacturing methods and decades of design expertise.

The Person

We are seeking a candidate with a 2:1 or above in Strategic and/or Digital Marketing, Business Management, or a related discipline, ideally supported by advanced qualifications such as an MSc, MBA, or professional certifications in digital marketing, project management, or AI.

Candidates should ideally bring strong communication skills, stakeholder influence, and leadership potential, along with proven project management capability, experience in digital transformation, and the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. Practical experience in digital and content marketing, data analytics, AI tools, and change management is highly advantageous.

We are looking for individuals who are adaptable, pragmatic, receptive to feedback, able to work independently, and be proactive in solving problems.

This is an exciting role for the right candidate presenting an excellent opportunity to make a tangible difference to the business and its international growth. 

For more information about this post, please contact Laura Forester-Green (l.t.forester-green@leedsbeckett.ac.uk).

Closing date: Thursday 22^nd May 2026 (23:59). 

For more information and to apply please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from black and minority ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under-represented at this level of post. All appointments will be based on merit.