What is the job? We’re looking for an R&D Project Manager to lead and manage key strategic R&D projects, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives. You’ll develop project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation, and work closely with engineering management and lead project engineers to ensure all project tasks are captured and executed on. Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available) 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 mediaeval 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. Requirements What is essential to us… Degree in a relevant technical field (e.g., Engineering, Science) or equivalent experience or qualifications. Proven experience in project management, preferably in an R&D environment. Strong leadership and team management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proficiency with software tools to support project management, ideas brainstorming and problem solving. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Ability to mentor and coach team members. Strong work ethic and ability to lead by example. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. What we would like you to do/ to see… Lead and manage key strategic R&D projects, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives. Develop project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation. Work closely with engineering management and lead project engineers to ensure all projects tasks are captured and executed on. Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, marketing, and manufacturing. Monitor project portfolio progress and adjust as necessary to ensure successful completion. Communicate project status, issues, and successes to stakeholders and senior management. Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment. Ensure effective communication with all project stakeholders. Develop meeting materials, presentations, and other written materials. Plan and lead project reviews with project team members. Ensure effective use of tools to document and monitor project progress. 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-1131 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) We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position. Benefits -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 recruitmentthorlabs.com. 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.