Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in the stratosphere. We design, manufacture and offer connectivity and Earth observation services using the record-breaking Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS).

HAPS is one of the world’s leading emerging technologies, which operate above air traffic and weather to offer new capabilities within our communications ecosystem. As the world’s most advanced HAPS, AALTO’s Zephyr is blazing a trail at the cutting-edge of technology, design and services.

Powered entirely by the sun as an emissionless aircraft in-flight – Zephyr flies at the speed of a bicycle above 60,000+ feet for days, weeks and even months at a time.

As a payload agnostic platform, Zephyr can transform into a multi-functional tower in the sky to provide low latency 5G direct-to-device mobile connectivity services. Zephyr can also be used to fulfil a range of monitoring, tracking, sensing and detection applications.

Join as we create a new frontier for services from the stratosphere. You’ll be part of a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can make sure ‘The Future is Stratospheric’.

Job purpose:

The Manufacturing Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production operations within an aerospace manufacturing environment. This role is integral in ensuring efficient, timely, and quality-driven production of aerospace components and assemblies, upholding company objectives, safety standards, and regulatory compliance. The Production Manager leads a diverse team, fosters collaboration with engineering, quality control, and supply chain teams, and champions continuous improvement within the production processes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Production Management:

• Oversee and coordinate daily manufacturing activities to ensure timely, quality production of aerospace components and assemblies.
• Develop, implement, and monitor production schedules to optimise resource use, maintain quality, and fulfil customer delivery timelines.
• Improve workflows to maximise throughput, reduce waste, and drive operational efficiency.
• Apply production best practices and continuous improvement methods (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to enhance product quality and team effectiveness.

2. Team Leadership:

• Lead and support the production team to achieve targets in production, quality, and safety, focusing on a collaborative and respectful work culture.
• Offer coaching and development opportunities, supporting team members’ growth in skills and career aspirations.
• Conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and recognising achievements to foster a positive and accountable environment.

3. Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Ensure that manufacturing practices comply with industry standards, internal quality procedures, and regulatory requirements (e.g., AS9100, FAA regulations).
• Partner with the Quality Assurance team to monitor product quality, address issues proactively, and promote a zero-defect approach to production.
• Lead investigations into production issues and initiate corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

4. Inventory & Materials Management:

• Work with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure materials and inventory are available to meet production needs without delays or shortages.
• Track material usage and minimise waste to support the company’s cost-efficiency goals.
• Monitor work order status and production schedules to ensure materials align with production targets.

5. Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance:

• Promote and maintain a safe and inclusive work environment that complies with company standards and regulatory guidelines.
• Conduct regular safety audits, actively address potential hazards, and lead initiatives to continually improve workplace safety.
• Keep informed of health, safety, and environmental regulations within the aerospace industry.

6. Reporting & Communication:

• Share regular updates with senior management on production progress, potential challenges, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Use production data and metrics to guide decision-making and adapt strategies as needed.
• Facilitate communication across departments (e.g., engineering, quality, supply chain) to ensure smooth coordination and timely resolution of issues.

7. Continuous Improvement:

• Advocate for a continuous improvement mindset within the team, identifying ways to enhance processes, improve product quality, and reduce costs.
• Lead and support process improvement projects that promote productivity, safety, and quality in the workplace.

Skills & Experience:

• Relevant experience in a manufacturing or production management role, ideally within aerospace or another highly regulated industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams in a precision manufacturing environment, focusing on an inclusive, supportive management approach.
• Background in Lean manufacturing, process improvement, and production planning.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, production scheduling software, and other manufacturing tools.
• In-depth understanding of industry standards and regulatory requirements within the aerospace sector (e.g., AS9100, FAA, ISO).

In addition to salary, we offer:

• Rewarding Excellence: Benefit from our short-term incentive plan that rewards your hard work and dedication.

• Enjoy Your Time Off: Benefit from 25 days of holiday to relax and recharge.

• Stay Healthy: We’ve got your health covered with private medical insurance, along with dental and optical cash back.

• Secure Your Future: Take advantage of our personal pension plan to ensure a comfortable retirement.

• Peace of Mind: Our income protection and life assurance schemes are there to support you when you need it most.

• We Care About You: Our employee assistance programme is always available to provide the support you need.

• Perks Galore: Enjoy a range of employee discounts via Perkbox, because you deserve a treat!

• Go Green: Join our cycle to work scheme or take advantage of our car salary sacrifice scheme. It’s all about making your commute easier and more sustainable

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