R&D Manager Lens Design & Metrology

Job Description

JOB TITLE : R&D Manager - Lens Design & Metrology **

LOCATION : Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh

WORKING HOURS : Monday to Friday 37.5 hours per week (Hybrid opportunities available 3 days office/2 days home)

A brighter future awaits you**

At CooperVision, we are proud to be the global leader in contact lenses. At our innovative sites worldwide, we manufacture and distribute contact lenses to some of the biggest names in optics. We’re all about creating brighter futures for our customers, our wearers and our people. **

What can you expect from us as an employer?**

Well, we like to look at things a little differently. We call it bringing a refreshing perspective. And for every one of us who works here, it means our opinion really counts, we get to share our ideas, and we get to make an impact.

We’re big on belonging. Because being part of something great is what makes our company the best it can be. And we value diversity, because you can see a whole lot more when you have different perspectives. We’re an ambitious company. And to help us achieve our goals, we’ll give you all you need to achieve yours. **

What will you be doing?**

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research and Development Manager tolead a team of Engineers and Senior Engineers responsible for providing lens design, metrology development and engineering support and expertise across the business, incorporating R&D projects, R&D programs, and ongoing Manufacturing support. You will have design authority and approval for product related changes to insert tooling, providing engineering expertise, optical tooling design and metrology methods for all R&D activities.

The role will also require the holder to have significant technical input into projects and so the person will be an advanced practitioner in their technical field of expertise and will therefore be highly skilled in one or more of the following areas: precision engineering, optical physics, metrology systems, high volume manufacturing methods, medical device development. **

Responsibilities**

• To lead the lens design team including recruiting, engaging, and developing a high performing team
• Support the R&D Director Lens Design in defining priorities for the team and cascade objectives to the team in line with their strengths and development goals.
• Resource R&D projects to produce new or develop existing lens designs and metrology methods, utilising appropriate design software and data analysis techniques.
• Provide technical direction to develop and implement new technologies and products that will provide significant business benefits. Identify appropriate capital expenditure where necessary and operate within the capex project structure.
• Partners with Quality and Regulatory functions to ensure that all lens design processes comply with relevant quality and regulatory requirements, with appropriate technical files or other documentation maintained.
• Lead process investigation and improvement work
• Lead continuous improvement projects in own and other work areas. Champion continuous improvement on site and assist in the implementation of robust improvement projects to yield timely understanding in relation to project goals.
• Ensure that technical concepts are adequately protected by robust patent filings and that work streams are free from competitor intellectual property.

Qualifications

What are we looking for?

We would like you to have the following experience:

• Experience in a similar role in Research and Development, managing a team of technical professionals within a regulated industry – ideally medical device/Pharmaceutical
• Demonstratable work experience in product development or precision engineering
• Experienced in participating and leading projects with an understanding of project management principles
• Practical statistics knowledge and understanding of Gauge R&R studies is essential
• Ability to mana ge , develop and engage a team of professionals to deliver high performance in line with functional objectives.
• Good knowledge of design/programming software eg Matlab
• Understanding of injection moulding principles and mould tool design is essential
• Understanding of lens manufacturing would be advantageous
• Structured problem-solving skills, ideally with experience of six-sigma techniques

What do we offer?

You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including; 25 days holiday,10% bonus, pension scheme, private medical, healthcare cover, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more!

If you like what you see, take the first step towards your brighter future and apply today. All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision. **

What is important to us?**

Our four values define and underpin our unique culture; we are dedicated , we are inventive , we are friendly , and we are partners . Becoming part of the CooperVision family means joining a friendly team that’s open, flexible, and respectful of each other’s differences, working together to achieve something amazing.

Recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse mix of employees is core to our success. It helps bring different perspectives, diverse conversations, and new ideas to the table, all of which are incredibly valuable.

At CooperVision we celebrate, not only our company success, but we celebrate who we all are individually, and we embrace diversity. We support and we encourage you to bring your full self and not just part of you. We are committed to each individual and we look forward to a Brighter Future together. **

We operate a candidate referral scheme, so if you know anyone who could be a perfect fit for this role, please email their CV to referafriend@coopervision quoting the job reference code to enjoy a £100 voucher reward if they are successful!**

About Us

CooperVision is a global leader in the contact lens industry, dedicated to helping improve the way people see every day. Achieving that goal takes the collaboration of team members with wide-ranging skills; from scientists and researchers, to manufacturing and operations experts, to sales and marketing professionals.

At CooperVision, our effort to improve lives begins with our employees. We are committed to developing people as a key global differentiator and our most important asset. We empower employees to succeed, rewarding great thinking and hard work with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and with a special focus on wellness. Our commitment to our core values and a diverse, inclusive, employee-centric culture fuel a deeply engaged, high performing organization.

CooperVision employees pride themselves on being proactive, innovative, flexible and friendly. That’s a strong reflection of our corporate culture—and part of the reason CooperVision may be a great workplace for you.