AI Gap Analysis Consultant - Manufacturing - Outside IR35 - Manchester

AI Gap Analysis Consultant (Manufacturing)

Contract | 3-Month Initial Engagement | £600 per day | Outside IR35

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced AI Gap Analysis Consultant to undertake a comprehensive assessment of a manufacturing business and identify opportunities to leverage Artificial Intelligence across the organisation.

This is a strategic consultancy engagement, working directly with the Managing Director and Board, to review current business processes, identify inefficiencies, and build a practical roadmap for AI adoption.

The successful consultant will be expected to challenge existing ways of working, uncover hidden opportunities, and demonstrate where AI can deliver measurable operational improvements.

The Assignment

Over an initial three-month engagement, you will:

• Conduct a business-wide AI opportunity assessment across all departments.
• Map existing operational workflows and identify every manual touchpoint that could be automated or enhanced through AI.
• Review current business processes and recommend AI-driven alternatives that reduce cost, improve speed, and increase accuracy.
• Analyse how data is currently collected, transferred, manipulated and reported throughout the organisation.
• Identify manual data collation, reconciliation and reporting activities that can be automated using AI and modern data tooling.
• Assess existing software platforms and recommend opportunities for AI integration rather than wholesale system replacement where appropriate.
• Prioritise opportunities based on business value, implementation complexity and ROI.
• Produce a detailed AI Opportunity Report with practical recommendations.
• Present findings, business cases and a phased implementation roadmap directly to the senior leadership team and Board.

Deliverables

By the end of the engagement you will provide:

• A full AI Gap Analysis across the business.
• A documented inventory of manual processes suitable for automation.
• Identification of repetitive administrative tasks that AI can eliminate.
• Recommendations for improving data quality through AI-driven reconciliation and consolidation.
• A prioritised implementation roadmap.
• Estimated cost savings, productivity improvements and potential ROI.
• Executive presentation to the Board.

We're Looking For Someone Who Has

• Proven experience delivering AI transformation or AI strategy engagements.
• Strong background in process mapping and operational analysis.
• Experience working within manufacturing, engineering, logistics or industrial environments.
• Knowledge of Large Language Models, AI automation platforms, Copilot, ChatGPT Enterprise, Microsoft AI ecosystem, workflow automation and modern AI tooling.
• Experience analysing ERP, CRM, MES or manufacturing systems.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into commercial recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.

Ideal Experience

Experience with one or more of the following would be highly advantageous:

• Manufacturing operations
• Supply chain optimisation
• Production planning
• Quality management
• Procurement
• Inventory management
• Finance process automation
• AI governance and implementation planning

Contract Details

• Initial Term: 3 months
• Day Rate: £600 per day
• IR35 Status: Outside IR35
• Start: ASAP
• Location: Hybrid (with on-site workshops required)
• Reporting To: Managing Director and Board