Project Manager - R&D

Novanta; Manawatū-Whanganui; Hybrid; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Novanta Robotics & Automation in Foxton, Cambridge is seeking a Project Manager in R&D to coordinate from concept to launch. You will work with engineers, product leaders and manufacturing teams to deliver new robotic and automation products, balancing schedules, risks and stakeholders.

The role suits someone early in their PM career aiming to grow into a senior programme manager position while contributing to cutting-edge robotics technologies. Hybrid working with global teams is offered.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of project management experience.
• Experience in engineering, manufacturing, or product development environments.
• Strong planning, organisation and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional project teams across Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing, Procurement and Commercial functions.
• Develop and maintain project plans from initiation through launch.
• Manage project schedules, milestones, risks, issues, dependencies and actions.
• Facilitate project meetings and ensure clear communication across stakeholders.
• Track project progress and provide regular updates to leadership teams.
• Support business reviews and executive project reporting.
• Coordinate activities with customers and suppliers as required.
• Ensure projects align with Novanta's product development and quality processes.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Planning

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Microsoft Project

Smartsheet

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.

Project Manager, R&D

Novanta Robotics & Automation | Foxton, Cambridge | Hybrid Working

Bring New Robotics Products to Market

If you are looking to build a career in project management within a high-tech engineering environment, this is an opportunity to work on products that power some of the world's most advanced robotic and automation systems. At Novanta, you'll help lead the development of innovative technologies used by manufacturers and automation companies across the globe. As a Project Manager within our R&D team, you will coordinate the delivery of new product development projects from concept through to launch. You'll work alongside talented engineers, product leaders, manufacturing teams and senior stakeholders, gaining broad exposure across the entire product development lifecycle. This role is ideal for someone early in their project management career who wants to grow into a senior programme management position while working on cutting-edge robotics technologies.

Why Join Novanta?

• Work on innovative robotics and automation products with global impact
• Gain hands‑on exposure to hardware, software and product development teams
• Partner directly with senior leaders and experienced programme managers
• Develop expertise in new product introduction (NPI) and R&D project delivery
• Clear career progression within a global technology organisation
• Be part of a collaborative, engineering‑led culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

What you will be doing:

You will play a central role in ensuring projects stay on track, stakeholders stay aligned, and new products are successfully delivered. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading cross‑functional project teams across Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing, Procurement and Commercial functions
• Developing and maintaining project plans from initiation through launch
• Managing project schedules, milestones, risks, issues, dependencies and actions
• Facilitating project meetings and ensuring clear communication across stakeholders
• Tracking project progress and providing regular updates to leadership teams
• Supporting business reviews and executive project reporting
• Coordinating activities with customers and suppliers where required
• Ensuring projects align with Novanta's product development and quality processes
• Building strong relationships across global teams to support successful delivery.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for someone who combines organisation and structure with the ability to work effectively across multiple teams. You will likely have:

• A degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline
• 1-3 years' project management experience
• Experience working within engineering, manufacturing, technology or product development environments
• Strong planning, organisation and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence working with multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience using tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet or similar project management software
• A proactive, self‑motivated approach and desire to learn and develop

The following would be advantageous:

• PMP certification
• Experience working within ISO9001 or ISO13485 regulated environments
• Exposure to new product development or R&D projects.

Career Transition Applicants Welcome

This role could be an excellent fit for candidates who have built project coordination, planning or delivery experience in areas such as:

• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Product Development
• Operations
• Supply Chain
• Technical Customer Support
• Quality or Regulatory functions

If you have led projects, coordinated complex workstreams, managed stakeholders, or driven activities to completion, we'd encourage you to apply.

About Novanta Robotics & Automation

Novanta is a global technology company and a leader in robotic end‑of‑arm tooling and automation solutions. Our technologies help customers improve productivity, precision and flexibility across a wide range of industrial and automation applications. Through engineering excellence, quality and customer focus, we continue to develop innovative solutions that help shape the future of automation.

Whether you are an early‑career Project Manager looking to accelerate your development or an experienced project professional seeking exposure to innovative robotics technologies, we would love to hear from you. 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.