Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Robotics & Automation

Location:

Cambridge, United Kingdom

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.

• Lead, coach, and develop production teams to create a high-performance culture focused on accountability and engagement.
• Ensure effective staffing, training, and capability building.
• 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.
• 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.
• Partner with engineering, supply chain, planning, and quality teams to remove operational barriers and improve end-to-end flow.
• Support problem-solving across the value chain.
• Support material availability and inventory optimisation.
• Identify and mitigate operational and supply risks impacting delivery.

• 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.

• 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.

Ready to make an impact? 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. Apply now or reach out to Rebecca Pelham for a confidential conversation.

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  if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.