Director Operations & Production (m/f/d)

Nex; München; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

WELLPASS membership

Modern office near center of Munich

R&D lab access near Munich

Flexible working options

Job summary

Director Operations & Production at NEX Aero oversees the end-to-end manufacturing lifecycle—from prototyping to certified low-rate production—reporting directly to the CEO. The role guides procurement, quality, and manufacturing, collaborating closely with the CTO and leadership team to ensure seamless integration of engineering and production.

With about a decade of experience in operations and program management, the ideal candidate brings aerospace or regulated industry background, hands-on

Qualifications

• Approximately 10 years in operations, production, or program management, including leadership.
• Experience in aerospace or automotive OEM/Tier-1 or regulated environments preferred.
• Solid knowledge of certification/approval processes (e.g., EASA Part 21/Part 145) is a plus.
• Proven track record building production organizations from prototype to series.
• Hands-on mindset with startup/scale-up exposure.
• Fluent in English and German.

Responsibilities

• Leads the team across Procurement, Quality, and Manufacturing/ Prototyping.
• Works with the CTO, Director Hardware, and Director Software at the interface between engineering and production.
• Production Planning & Manufacturing Control — building and managing manufacturing processes from prototyping through low-rate production.
• Procurement & Supply Chain — supplier selection, negotiation, and management, including strategic partnerships with Tier-1 suppliers.
• Quality Management — building and evolving the QMS to aerospace standards (e.g., EN 9100).
• Program & Project Management — coordinating milestones, resources, and dependencies across hardware and software development.
• Facilities & Infrastructure — responsible for production sites, equipment, and operational infrastructure.

Skills

Leadership

Procurement

Quality Management

Program Management

Manufacturing / Prototyping

Supply Chain

Certification Processes

Cross-functional Collaboration

Start-up / Scale-up Experience

English & German Fluency

Job description

Director Operations & Production (m/f/d)

Full-time

About the role

The Director Operations & Production is responsible for the operational execution of NEX's product development process — from procurement through manufacturing, and quality assurance to program management. This role is central to guiding NEX from prototype build to certified low-rate production, and reports directly to the CEO.

Your responsibilities

• Leads the team across Procurement , Quality, and Manufacturing/ Prototyping
• Works closely with the CTO, Director Hardware, and Director Software at the interface between engineering, and production ( certification sits organizationally with the CTO)
• Production Planning & Manufacturing Control - building and managing manufacturing processes from prototyping through low-rate production
• Procurement & Supply Chain — responsible for supplier selection , negotiation , and management , including strategic partnerships with Tier-1 suppliers
• Quality Management — building and evolving the QMS to aerospace standards (e.g., EN 9100), quality assurance internally, and with suppliers
• Program & Project Management — coordinating milestones , resources , and dependencies ac ross hardware, and software development
• Facilities & Infrastructure — responsible for production sites , equipment , and operational infrastructure

Your profile

• Approx .10 years of experience in operations , production , or program management i ncluding several years in a leadership role
• Experience in the aerospace or automotive industry (OEM, Tier-1 supplier), or comparable regulated environment ( strongly preferred)
• Solid knowledge of certification / approval processes (e.g. EASA Part 21/Part 145 or equivalent ) is a plus
• Proven experience building production organizations (prototype-to- series transition )
• Hands-on mentality, and experience in a start-up / scale-up environment
• Fluent in English, and German

About us

Who We Are - NEX Aero

At NEX Aero, we are redefining how critical cargo moves across the world. We design, build, and operate next-generation heavy-duty drones capable of reaching places traditional logistics can’t, connecting remote communities, enabling urgent healthcare deliveries, and strengthening supply chains in a changing world.

Based in Munich, we are an ambitious team of engineers, operators, and innovators working hands-on at the intersection of aerospace, clean technology, and logistics. Our work moves beyond prototypes, it creates real-world impact where reliability, reach, and resilience matter most.

At NEX Aero, you won’t just build systems. You’ll help unlock access, progress, and opportunity for industries and communities worldwide.

Benefits — What You Can Expect

• Purpose-Driven Work: Join a mission that matters, advancing sustainable logistics and connecting the disconnected.
• Cutting-Edge Innovation: Work hands-on with next-generation drone systems, hydrogen technologies, and autonomous operations.
• Fast-Paced Learning: Grow faster through deep technical challenges, field missions, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Collaborative Culture: We value clear communication, radical ownership, and low-ego teamwork across every role and level.
• Professional Growth: Shape your role as we scale, with opportunities to lead projects, innovate solutions, and expand your expertise.
• Attractive Locations: Work from our modern office or our R&D lab, both close to the center of Munich, with flexible working options depending on your role.
• Health and Well-being: As an employee, enjoy the benefits of a WELLPASS membership.
• Real-World Impact: See the results of your work directly, from successful flight tests to critical deliveries that move what matters most.

At NEX Aero, we are serious about the mission, and we enjoy the ride.