Novanta Inc.
Senior Director Research & Development
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Build a career powered by innovations that matter!
At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing—improving productivity, enhancing people’s lives and redefining what’s possible. We create for our global customers engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for a range of mission-critical applications—from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing.
Novanta is one global team with over 26 offices located in The Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Looking for a great place to work? You have found it with a culture that embraces teamwork, collaboration and empowerment. Come explore Novanta.
Senior Director - Research & Development
Laser Technologies
Stockport, UK
Shape the Future of Advanced Laser Technology
At Novanta, our technologies help power some of the world's most advanced applications, from life-changing medical innovations and robotics to semiconductor manufacturing and industrial automation.
We are seeking an exceptional R&D Leader to shape the future of our Laser Technologies business.
This is more than an engineering leadership role.
You will lead the strategy, capability development and execution of a globally respected R&D organisation responsible for creating technologies that solve complex customer challenges worldwide.
The Opportunity
As a key member of the leadership team, you will lead approximately 50 engineers and scientists while defining the future technology roadmap for a business generating more than $120M in revenue.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
You Will Oversee
- Research and innovation strategy
- Technology roadmaps
- New product development
- Sustaining engineering
- Portfolio prioritisation
- Engineering leadership development
- Product lifecycle governance
You will partner closely with Product Management, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Service and Commercial teams to ensure technology investments translate into measurable customer and business value.
What You Will Do
Lead Innovation
- Define and execute the technology and R&D strategy that shapes future product platforms and market opportunities.
Drive Operational Excellence
- Strengthen stage-gate development processes while improving predictability, quality, speed and commercial outcomes.
Develop Leaders
- Build organisational capability through coaching, succession planning and leadership development.
Influence Business Strategy
- Connect technical investments with growth objectives, customer value and long-term market opportunities.
What We Are Looking For
- Extensive experience developing complex technology products
- Senior leadership experience within R&D or Engineering
- Proven portfolio and organisational leadership capability
- Technology roadmap ownership
- Stage-gate product development expertise
- Commercial and financial acumen
- Experience leading multifunctional engineering teams
- Ability to influence executive-level decision making
- Strong technical credibility in complex technical environments
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Highly Relevant Industry Backgrounds
- Photonics
- Lasers
- Semiconductor equipment
- Medical technology
- Advanced manufacturing
- Scientific instrumentation
- Complex electromechanical systems
Why Novanta?
- Strategic executive-level influence
- Global technology leadership
- Significant R&D investment responsibility
- Leading-edge innovation
- Strong growth trajectory
- Opportunity to shape future technology platforms
If you are a visionary technology leader who combines engineering excellence with business leadership, we would welcome a conversation. Reach out to Rebecca Pelham to discuss further, or apply today.
We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, for example with applications, interviews, or assessments, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner. We will work with you to understand your needs and make appropriate arrangements so you can perform at your best.
Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.
Please call +1 781-266-5700 if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills