Production Manager
Core
Lead production operations for a European manufacturing site, establishing and scaling high-volume manufacturing of advanced defense systems from the ground up.
Role type
Senior manufacturing leader (greenfield build) (via careerplan.io/jobs/3B-00F-3F-F62-production-manager)
Builds
Advanced defense systems (precision strike weapons)
Domain
Defense / Aerospace manufacturing
Required skills
Manufacturing leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, production planning, capacity planning, factory layout design, DFM/DFA, cross-functional team building, regulatory compliance, KPI development, automation strategy
Preferred skills
Defense program experience, high-rate electromechanical assembly, German manufacturing regulations, ERP/MES systems, global manufacturing strategy
Technologies
ERP/MRP systems, MES platforms, production planning software
Responsibilities
Stand up and scale European production lines; Build and lead the European Production organization; Ensure compliance with German employment law and works council requirements; Partner with executive leadership to define global manufacturing strategy; Establish scalable manufacturing processes optimized for throughput and efficiency; Own production planning, capacity planning, and factory execution; Develop operational KPIs and manufacturing dashboards; Lead factory layout planning and automation strategy; Partner with Engineering for design for manufacturability; Collaborate with Supply Chain for material availability; Partner with Quality for robust manufacturing controls; Lead Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives; Support new product introductions and transition to full-rate production; Represent the company with customers, government stakeholders, and suppliers.
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC with strategic scope