Professional Biography

Matthew Galea is a strategic operations leader and educator with over 18 years of international experience driving transformation in manufacturing and operations. Currently serving as Operations Manager at Novanta Technologies in Taunton, UK, he leads production, supply chain, and continuous improvement functions, delivering measurable gains in efficiency, inventory optimisation, and production stability.

Matthew's professional journey began at Malta Shipyards, where he joined as a graduate trainee and advanced to Ship Repair Manager. These formative roles instilled in him a deep appreciation for heavy engineering and project management, overseeing complex work on vessels ranging from single point mooring buoys to oil and chemical carriers.

He then transitioned into the building services sector, managing mechanical and electrical installations across diverse projects; from high-end domestic systems and hotel developments to neighbourhood regeneration initiatives. Notably, he directed the installation of Malta's first large-scale solar panel project, an achievement that reflected his adaptability and forward-looking approach to engineering solutions.

In 2013, Matthew joined Methode Electronics Malta Ltd. as a Quality Engineer, where he quickly expanded his responsibilities. He led the metrology and calibration department, established a quality team in the company's satellite plant in Egypt, and later advanced to Production Manager. Over nearly a decade, he directed global operations across China, Egypt, and Mexico, successfully managing large-scale production migrations, optimising manufacturing processes, and transforming a breakeven $37M facility into a $50M business with double-digit profitability.

Alongside his industry leadership, Matthew contributed to academia as a part-time lecturer at the University of Malta, teaching quantitative techniques, operations research, and statistics. His dual perspective, bridging hands-on operational management with academic insight, underscores his commitment to making complex concepts accessible and actionable.

Holding a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Matthew is a trained Six Sigma Black Belt and a European Engineer (Eur Ing). His expertise includes Lean operations, strategic planning, business intelligence, and mentoring.

Driven by a philosophy of "From Gemba to Growth", Matthew believes that real transformation begins on the shop floor, where engaged leadership and disciplined execution create lasting impact. He is passionate about continuous improvement, fostering accountability, and equipping teams to thrive in dynamic, global environments.