Senior Director Research & Development

Novanta Inc.; Stockport; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Novanta Inc. invites a visionary R&D leader to shape the future of Laser Technologies from Stockport, UK. You will set strategy, develop capabilities and run a globally respected R&D organisation delivering advanced laser technologies for medical, robotics and industrial applications.

You will oversee research strategy, technology roadmaps, new product development and stage-gate processes, building leadership and aligning investments with growth objectives and customer value.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading complex technology programs.
• Proven track record in R&D or engineering leadership.
• Strong ability to align tech strategy with business goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation and define R&D strategy for future platforms.
• Strengthen stage-gate processes to improve predictability and outcomes.
• Develop leaders through coaching and succession planning.
• Connect technical investments with growth objectives and customer value.

Skills

R&D leadership

Technology roadmap ownership

Stage-gate development

Leadership of engineering teams

Commercial & financial acumen

Executive-level influence

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

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:

You will oversee:

• Research and innovation strategy
• Technology roadmaps
• New product development
• Sustaining engineering
• Portfolio prioritisation
• Engineering leadership development
• Product lifecycle governance

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
• 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.

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

Solving complex challenges, delivering innovations that matter! Novanta is a leading global supplier of core technology solutions that give medical, life science, and advanced industrial original equipment manufacturers a competitive advantage. We combine deep proprietary expertise and competencies in precision medicine, precision manufacturing, robotics and automation, and advanced surgery with a proven ability to solve complex technical challenges. This enables Novanta to engineer proprietary technology solutions that deliver extreme precision and performance, tailored to our customers' demanding applications. The driving force behind our growth is the team of innovative professionals who share a commitment to innovation, the Novanta Growth System, and our customers’ success. Novanta’s common shares are quoted on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "NOVT".