At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve manufacturing operations in a high-tech environment.
- Company: Join Novanta, a global leader in advanced manufacturing and robotics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a culture of innovation.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for international growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology that transforms lives.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in operations leadership with a focus on continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Thank you for your interest in Novanta. You have taken the first step towards a new career opportunity. We invite you to complete your application. By taking this step, your information will be stored for future submissions to our open jobs according to Novanta’s Data Privacy Policy.
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.
We are now looking for 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 with the opportunity to directly influence performance, culture, and scalability in a complex, high-tech environment.
The opportunity
This role offers the chance to take ownership of day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring delivery across safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives—while driving ongoing improvement in how we operate. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, supply chain, and commercial functions, to solve real operational challenges and continuously improve performance.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys:
- Leading from the front in a hands-on operational environment
- Driving continuous improvement and lean initiatives
- Building strong, accountable, and high-performing teams
- Working on precision products with real-world impact
What you will be doing
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop production teams
- Create a high-performance culture focused on accountability and engagement
- Ensure effective staffing, training, and capability building
- Operational Excellence
- Manage daily manufacturing operations in a high-mix, engineered products environment
- Deliver against key metrics across safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, and cost
- Ensure production plans align with capacity, materials, and customer demand
- Continuous Improvement
- Drive improvement initiatives using the Novanta Growth System and lean principles
- Improve workflow, reduce waste, and enhance productivity and quality
- Use data and metrics to identify gaps and implement sustainable solutions
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with engineering, supply chain, planning, and quality teams
- Remove operational barriers and improve end-to-end flow
- Support problem-solving across the value chain
- Supply Chain & Risk Management
- Support material availability and inventory optimisation
- Identify and mitigate operational and supply risks impacting delivery
What we are looking for
- Proven experience in operations or manufacturing leadership (typically 7+ years)
- Experience leading teams in high-mix or engineered product environments
- Strong understanding of operational KPIs across quality, delivery, and cost
- Demonstrated success with lean, continuous improvement, or business system frameworks
- A collaborative mindset with the ability to influence across functions
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Experience in precision engineering, electronics, or electromechanical manufacturing would be highly advantageous.
Why join Novanta?
- Work on technologies that make a real impact on people’s lives
- Be part of a global, innovative organisation at the forefront of advanced manufacturing
- Lead meaningful change in an environment that values continuous improvement and ideas
- Collaborate with talented teams across engineering, operations, and commercial functions
- Opportunity for career growth across international markets
If you are an experienced operations leader looking to take ownership in a high-tech, fast-evolving manufacturing environment, we would love to hear from you.
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.
Operations Manager in Cambridge employer: Novanta Inc.
At Novanta, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters teamwork, collaboration, and empowerment. Located in Newton, United Kingdom, our Operations Manager role provides the opportunity to lead innovative projects in robotics and advanced manufacturing, while benefiting from a commitment to continuous improvement and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact on technology that transforms lives and enjoy the support of a global team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Cambridge
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Novanta Inc., apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Novanta Inc. specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novanta Inc.
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Novanta Inc., brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Novanta Inc. value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
