Senior Manager, Operations

Senior Manager, Operations

Bedford, MA

Precision Manufacturing

Role Summary:

The Senior Manager, Operations oversees Bedford’s production activities and ensures the teams deliver safe, reliable, and consistent manufacturing performance. The role focuses on meeting safety, quality, delivery, and cost expectations while maintaining a stable operating environment and preparing the production organization for future needs. The position provides clear visibility into performance trends, risks, and operational priorities to site and business leadership. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Operational Leadership 

• Leads the Precision Manufacturing production teams with accountability for output, schedule adherence, labor efficiency, quality performance, and cost.  

• Maintains steady operating routines, consistent standard work, and disciplined shop‑floor behaviors that support safety, quality, and stable execution.  

• Reviews and interprets key performance indicators, identifies performance shifts, and coordinates timely actions to stabilize or improve results.  

• Works closely with Manufacturing Engineering to support process reliability, evaluate production impacts, and ensure readiness for changes and improvements.  

• Partners with Supply Chain and Planning on SIOP alignment, material readiness, inventory accuracy, and risk mitigation.  

• Coordinates with Quality and EHS to address non‑conformances, support corrective actions, maintain safety expectations, and ensure audit and compliance requirements are met.  

• Facilitates daily and weekly cross‑functional operating rhythms to align priorities, escalate risks early, and coordinate recovery actions. 

• Contributes to longer‑range planning by informing capacity needs, staffing strategy, equipment requirements, and operational risks that may impact customer commitments. 

Safety, Quality & Compliance 

• Champion a zero incident, safety-first culture across all levels of the organization.  

• Drive continuous improvement to enhance product reliability and customer satisfaction. 

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead initiatives to reduce waste. 

People Leadership & Culture 

• Leads production supervisors and team leads, ensuring the teams have the skills, training, and operating routines needed for consistent performance. 

• Provides coaching and support to help supervisors build capability in decision‑making, communication, and problem solving. 

• Promotes open communication and encourages employees to raise issues promptly and participate in structured problem solving. 

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement  

• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal functional leaders. 

• Represent the site in audits, customer visits, and business reviews. 

• Communicate performance, risks, and opportunities to stakeholders with clarity and regular cadence. 

Required Experience, Education, Skills, Training and Competencies 

• BS degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management  

• 8-12+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations. 

• Proven track record of managing or leading a manufacturing plan or major operational department.  

• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead change and build high performing teams. 

• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills. 

Travel Requirements  

• Less than 20% 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to stand for long periods of time

The salary for this role will range from $150,000 to $215,000 annually based on full-time employment. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to location, relevant skills, training, experience, education, etc. 

Certain roles may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation and/or long-term incentives. Incentives could be discretionary or non-discretionary depending on the plan. 

Novanta supports all aspects of your life’s needs. This position provides a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits to make your quality of life better.