R&D Project Manager - #1710729

Job Description

At Coherent Scotland, we develop laser systems. Our systems are deployed in a wide variety of markets including renewable energy, microelectronics, fundamental research, life sciences and medicine. We aim to make a positive impact on everybody’s life by providing customers with lasers with superior reliability and performance.

Coherent Scotland has grown strongly and consistently over the past ten years, even through times of global economic slowdown. We have a healthy product development pipeline which will enable this growth to continue in the future. This will generate many exciting opportunities for personal growth within the organisation in the years to come. We develop and manufacture many different lasers on site as well as manufacturing lasers which are developed in other Coherent divisions.

Coherent Scotland is based at the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow and is a subsidiary of Coherent Corp., a global leader in the manufacture of materials, networking equipment and laser products. We are housed in a purpose-built facility with research and development, manufacturing, and marketing all on one site.

We have a friendly, business-orientated work environment and great staff facilities within our modern building, including as an on-site cafeteria. In addition, we offer a competitive remuneration package which includes a contributory pension scheme, subsidised private health care and free life assurance. However, if work-life balance is important to you, you’ll also be pleased to know that we operate flexible core hours which provide the opportunity to start your weekend early.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Project Manager to join our R&D team, responsible for coordinating and manging projects across sustainment activities and new product development (NPI) projects.

This role requires close collaboration with technical project leaders and key stakeholders across various teams. While this is not a technical role, the ability to understand and communicate within technical discussions is essential. The Project Manager will oversee multiple projects and manage moderate complexity sustainment projects as well as new NPI developments.

In your role of Project Manager, you will ork closely with the technical co-ordinator to manage complex new product introduction projects. In this role, you are responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the project, aiding communication between functional groups in the development team and ensuring all stakeholders are involved and included. While this role is not technical, it is critical you understand the core technology and can interact positively with all stakeholders to deliver the project goals.

Additionally, your role may require you to co-ordinate projects outside the NPI process but which are critical to ongoing product engineering. These projects may involve a multidiscipline team within Coherent Scotland or may require co-ordination across different Coherent sites.

We are looking for an organised and proactive Project Manager who can drive complex projects while fostering effective communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders. A strong understanding of technology - even without deep technical expertise - is essential to interact positively with our engineering teams and ensure project success.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities .

• Project Structuring & Execution:
• Define project phases and organize work for logical and efficient execution.
• Establish clear deliverables and milestones, ensuring near-term and long-term goals are well communicated.
• Maintain and update the risk register, ensuring proactive risk management.
• Facilitate project workshops, ensuring outcomes align with project goals.
• Oversee project closeouts, documenting key findings and best practices.
• Run daily SCRUM meetings.
• Performance Monitoring & Process Improvement:
• Track project KPIs, including time, resources and costs.
• Provide non-technical project updates and required documentation.
• Continuously improve project processes and documentation.
• Ensure adherence to NPI processes and maintain control over project records and information.
• Manage phase gate reviews, gathering sign-offs and logging any outstanding issues.
  

Education & Experience

• Degree in science, technology or engineering, or equivalent industrial experience.
• Experience of working in a manufacturing environment, ideally including the transfer from design engineering into manufacturing in a high-tech environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a technical project ideally in a SCRUM / AGILE framework.
• Ability to quickly learn about laser technology.
• A passion for working with people across all functions of the business, forging relationships and driving engagement.
  
  

Preferred Additional Skills

• Knowledge of the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and elements of project planning.
• An understanding of LEAN and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Degree in science, technology or engineering, or equivalent industrial experience.
• Experience of working in a manufacturing environment, ideally including the transfer from design engineering into manufacturing in a high-tech environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a technical project ideally in a SCRUM / AGILE framework.
• Ability to quickly learn about laser technology.
• A passion for working with people across all functions of the business, forging relationships and driving engagement.
  
  

Skills & Other Requirements

• Demonstrated problem solving and work prioritisation skills.
• Ability to achieve results independently or working with others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with end-users, management, and colleagues.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities involving internal customer requests and demands.
• Ability to excel in a cross-organizational, cross cultural, global team environment.
• Handle special assignments promptly and professionally.
• Set a high standard of ethics, professionalism, and competency.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions typical of a climate controlled and professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Scotland EHS standards.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

CULTURE COMMITMENT

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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