Project Manager - 1627

Thorlabs; Ely; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technologies company in Ely is seeking a Project Manager to oversee improvement initiatives supporting lean transformation and cultural development. This hybrid role requires strong organizational skills and a degree in Science, Engineering, or Business. The successful candidate will coordinate projects, engage with teams, and drive problem-solving. Competitive salary with benefits including healthcare and pension package is offered.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Free refreshments

Entertainment area in canteen

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent knowledge/experience required.
• Experience with Lean principles is desirable.
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate project plans, track tasks, and manage documentation.
• Facilitate regular project meetings to monitor progress.

Skills

Organizational and time-management skills

Clear verbal and written communication

Proficiency in office software

Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Ability to work in cross-functional teams

Education

Degree in Science, Engineering, or Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Job description

What is the job?

The Project Manager leads a range of improvement initiatives that support the organisation’s lean transformation and cultural development. Working closely with experienced project managers and colleagues across the business, the postholder will help plan, coordinate, and track project activities while learning and applying lean tools and structured problem‑solving methods. The role is accountable for capturing current‑state conditions, driving problem‑solving and waste elimination, and collaborating with stakeholders to design and implement future‑state processes. A key part of the role is engaging with colleagues in manufacturing and office functions to understand how work is carried out and where improvements can be made. This is a developmental position suited to someone looking to grow their project management capability within an industrial lean manufacturing environment. Projects may include process optimisation, new equipment introductions, technology improvements, and cultural or communication initiatives.

This role would suit someone with a Science, engineering or business degree or with similar knowledge or experience. Are you a researcher looking to move industry? Then get in touch.

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (1 hour lunch) Hybrid working available

Interview process:

2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 1 hour Teams interview

Second stage: OnSite 2 hour interview

What we would like you to do / to see…

Project Management

• Provide oversight, coordination, and reporting for continuous improvement projects involving cross‑functional, multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Work closely with the Senior Project Manager and senior leadership to define business needs, project objectives, and expected deliverables.
• Responsible for updating project plans, tracking tasks, managing documentation.
• Lead regular project meetings to monitor progress, address risks, and maintain alignment with goals.
• Manage project to ensure work is delivered on time and to the expected quality.

Operational Culture

• Support initiatives that promote a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Assist in maintaining and improving project templates, processes, and toolkits.

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

It’s a hybrid role, working in our new purpose‑built facility in Witchford, Ely as well as your home. Our purpose‑built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful medieval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What is essential to us…

Essential

• Strong organisational and time‑management skills and able to work well within cross‑functional teams.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency in office software and project‑support tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, SharePoint).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, effective multitasking, managing time and work independently.
• Good analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a strong attention to detail / accuracy.
• Willingness to contribute to improvement activities across departments.
• Positive approach to problem solving, able to identify issues.
• Open to new challenges and committed to continuous learning and development

Desirable

• Understanding of Lean principles and methodologies.
• Experience in leading projects or workstreams.

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference:

THOR-VC-1627

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.

All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail [e-mail].

We are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.