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Operations Manager
Operations Manager – Robotics & Automation
📍 Cambridge, United Kingdom
Build a career powered by innovations that matter at Novanta. Our cutting-edge technologies power robotics, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing, transforming industries and lives.
At Novanta, we design engineered components and sub-systems for mission-critical applications—from minimally invasive surgery to robotics and 3D metal printing. One global team with over 26 offices united by a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and empowerment. Come explore Novanta and be part of a company that values engagement and innovation.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations for our Robotics & Automation Inductive Encoder product line in Cambridge. This is a highly visible leadership role, offering the chance to shape performance, culture, and scalability in a high-tech environment.
This position involves steering day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives, while continuously improving workflows in a complex, precision-driven environment.
You’ll work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, supply chain, and commercial functions, to overcome operational challenges and drive innovation.
Ideal Candidates
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop technical production teams
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and employee growth and capability-building
- Ensure strong team dynamics and continuous professional development
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Operational Excellence
- Managing daily operations in a high-mix, engineered products environment for precision technology
- Deliver against key operational metrics—ensuring safety, quality, delivery timelines, inventory management, productivity, and cost-efficiency
- Align production schedules with cast specifications, material availability, and customer demand
Continuous Improvement
- Drive LEAN and efficiency enhancements, applying Novanta Growth System principles
- Implement workflow optimisations to reduce waste, improve productivity, and maintain top-tier quality
- Use data-driven analysis to pinpoint operational gaps and create scalable solutions
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner seamlessly with engineering, supply chain, planning, and quality teams to streamline processes
- Break down operational barriers for optimal end-to-end flow and collaboration
- Solve challenges collaboratively across the value chain
Supply Chain & Risk Management
- Guide material availability and inventory optimization, ensuring minimal stockouts or excess holdings
- Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks that could impact delivery efficiency
Requirements
- Proven leadership experience in operations or manufacturing—typically 7+ years in a similar role
- Track record of managing high-mix/engineered product environments with precision and efficiency
- Strong grasp of operational KPIs, including quality, delivery reliability, cost control
- Hands-on success with continuous improvement methodologies such as LEAN, ISO frameworks, or Agile practices
- Ability to collaborate across disciplines, turning cross-functional challenges into opportunities
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
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Preferred additional qualifications:
- Hands-on experience in precision engineering, electronics, or electromechanical manufacturing
- Working knowledge of automation or robotic precision technologies adds significant value
Benefits of Joining Novanta
- Work on technologies that make a real societal impact, solving complex problems across healthcare, manufacturing, and robotics
- Join a global, innovative organisation leading advancements in advanced manufacturing and engineered precision solutions
- Shape real change in a supportive environment that values continuous improvement and new ideas
- Collaborate with talented professionals in engineering, operations, and commercial teams
- Pathways for career progression across international markets
Ready for your next step?
Are you an experienced operations leader eager to take ownership in a high-performing, high-tech manufacturing environment? Your impact matters—apply now or connect privately with Rebecca Pelham for a conversation.
[Apply Now / Contact Rebecca]
Equal Opportunities at Novanta
We proudly foster an equitable and inclusive work culture, rewarding merit and potential regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, nationality, military status, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
For disability access accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact +1 781-266-5700. We commit to serving all applicants fairly.
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