Head of Manufacturing

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned manufacturing leader to spearhead the creation of a new factory in Munich, Germany, for a dynamic aerospace and defence company entering a pivotal growth phase. This role offers a rare greenfield opportunity to develop a world-class production facility from the ground up, leading the industrialisation strategy from early product development through to full serial production.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the industrialisation and manufacturing approach, guiding products from concept stages to serial production.
• Collaborate closely with factory planners to develop and commission a new manufacturing site.
• Establish production workflows including processes, tooling, layouts, equipment, and manufacturing systems.
• Manage manufacturing readiness aligned with key project milestones like Concept, Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), and production phases.
• Create scalable manufacturing operations that will support sustained growth.
• Work hand-in-hand with Engineering teams to ensure products are optimized for manufacturing and assembly.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing manufacturing engineering team.
• Implement industry best practices encompassing quality assurance, lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Desired Background and Expertise

• Proven experience in aerospace, space, defence, automotive, or other strictly regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Significant experience directing industrialisation or manufacturing programs transitioning complex products from development into production.
• Skilled in greenfield manufacturing projects, including factory planning, production ramp-up, and establishing serial manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated success in building manufacturing capabilities rather than maintaining existing facilities.