Production Manager

About Us

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Your Mission

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations at our cutting-edge defence drone production facility. This is a critical role within our organisation, responsible not only for day-to-day production management but also for contributing to strategic planning and supply chain coordination.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in production planning, team leadership, and lean manufacturing principles — ideally within a defence, aerospace, or high-precision engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily manufacturing operations to ensure timely, quality-driven, and cost-effective delivery of production articles.
• Develop and oversee production schedules, working closely with production engineering, R&D, engineering, procurement, and quality teams to align manufacturing output with project milestones.
• Ensure compliance with MoD standards, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in production efficiency, throughput, and quality (Lean, 5S, Six Sigma).
• Manage and develop production teams, ensuring high performance and adherence to HSE standards.
• Coordinate with supply chain and procurement to ensure material availability and supplier alignment with production schedules.
• Participate in new product introduction (NPI) processes, ensuring manufacturability and seamless handover from design to production.
• Prepare and monitor KPIs and production metrics, reporting to senior leadership on performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Support internal and external audits, including defence compliance inspections.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Proven experience in a Production Manager or similar leadership role within a high-tech or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable expertise in production planning and scheduling in complex manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of defence or aerospace manufacturing standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, etc.).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Right to work in the UK and ability to obtain Security Clearance (SC).

Desirable:

• Lean Six Sigma certification or similar process improvement training.