Production Manager

Production Manager

Are you a hands-on technology production manager who enjoys building things properly in a high-assurance industry – not just managing spreadsheets?

We’re looking for a Production Manager to join our growing defence AI company in central Oxford, helping us scale from advanced prototyping and small volume production into reliable, repeatable high-volume production. Our products are deployed on crewed and uncrewed aircraft, where quality, traceability and delivery matter.

This role is well suited to someone from a high-assurance manufacturing environment who enjoys variety and fast-paced, dynamic environment, is comfortable getting hands-on and wearing other hats when needed. This is a highly impactful role as you can shape how production is done in a scaling technology company.

You’ll primarily own small-volume in-house production and support the transition to contract manufacturing as volumes grow. Depending on your interests and experience, there are also opportunities to get involved in field trials, integration activities with a range of partner aircraft, and quality management work.

How you’ll make an impact

• Production management (primary): Plan and manage small-volume in-house production to support R&D delivery and the transition to higher-volume contract manufacturing; Own production schedules, build readiness, capacity planning and risk tracking; put in place pragmatic production control processes to support on-time delivery and low non-conformance rates.
• Procurement & supplier management (secondary): coordinate sourcing and supplier selection and negotiation for production-critical items; manage supplier relationships for small-volume production, including delivery, quality and responsiveness; maintain a resilient and practical supply chain.
• Production engineering (occasional): Step in hands-on where needed to provide additional capacity or solve practical build issues; work closely with engineering to improve manufacturability and build documentation.

To succeed in this role, you must have:

• Production or manufacturing experience with complex aerospace products
• Procurement & supply chain management experience in a regulated yet dynamic environment
• Negotiation and supplier relationship building capability
• Confidence working with engineering BOMs and build documentation
• Meet the eligibility to obtain UK Security Check clearance
• Willingness to work predominantly on-site in Oxford up to 5 days per week
• Alignment with our ways of working: clear & concise communication; structured thinking to bring clarity from incomplete or imperfect information; high organisation, capacity and ownership to juggle multiple priorities; commercial awareness to apply judgment, not just follow procedures; growth mindset and positive energy.

It is a plus if you also have:

• Experience with contract manufacturing or OEM environments
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 / AS9100 or similar quality systems
• Risk management, cost modelling or production governance exposure
• Export control awareness
• Market research & analysis knowledge
• Customer
• Strong IT or data skills (Excel / Sheets); interest in automation or AI-assisted tools

By joining us, youll have:

• The ability to make a measurable difference in the creation of cutting-edge technology in a rapidly growing start-up
• Fast-paced environment with a world-class, positive, talented, and high-achieving team
• Forward-thinking, supportive culture with company retreats and strategic alignment
• World-class growth opportunities and training resources including self-development days An opportunity for drone pilot training
• Merit-based compensation
• 5% employer pension contribution
• 25 days holiday + UK bank holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Relocation Support package
• Team socials
• A variety of perks that are evolving: Free Monday team lunch, Cycle2work scheme, annual subscription allowance

Security clearance:

Due to the sensitive nature of some of our work, it would be beneficial for candidates to be able and willing to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for this role.

Location

This is an office-based role in Oxford. Youll work alongside leading engineers, AI specialists, and industry pioneers, contributing directly to cutting-edge advancements in autonomous technology.

The Archangel Experience

We are makers and engineers first, driven by the desire to solve challenges that matter. Automation is how humanity moves forward and for us it’s more than a method; it is a mindset- central to how we streamline work and deliver cutting edge solutions that make a real difference.

Our culture is grounded in high integrity, teamwork, and a shared pursuit of excellence. Learning never stops here. We prioritise growth, knowledge sharing, and collaboration so every team member is empowered to thrive. We are looking for people who are proactive, collaborative, and passionate about purpose led technology. If you are excited by meaningful challenges, thrive in fast paced environments, and want to build technology that supports solving real-world problems, you will feel right at home.

So, what’s next?

Apply now, and a member of our HR team will get in touch with you shortly. Our usual process includes reviewing your CV, a 30-minute phone screening, a live technical assessment and interview, plus if your interview falls on a Monday, you might even get to enjoy lunch with the team!

Excited? Apply now and become part of Archangel Life!