Operations & Project Manager

matchmatch; Madrid; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

matchmatch is seeking an Operations & Project Manager to oversee day-to-day operations and coordinate engineering and production projects for a fast-growing hardware startup in Madrid. This hands-on role requires strong operational skills and experience managing complex technical projects across multiple teams.

You will build processes, track timelines and budgets, manage suppliers and contract manufacturers, and work closely with the founders to drive operational efficiency and company growth

Qualifications

• 4–8 years of experience in operations, project or programme management.
• Experience in hardware, robotics, aerospace, defense or other complex engineering environments.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional projects from planning through delivery.
• Hands-on experience with operational processes, suppliers or production coordination.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• High ownership, attention to detail and comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Professional working proficiency in both English and Spanish.
• Based in Madrid or willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations, including procurement, supply chain, vendors, facilities and internal processes
• Plan and coordinate projects across engineering, R&D, production and customer deployments
• Track project timelines, milestones, budgets, risks and dependencies
• Coordinate with engineering teams, external manufacturers and production partners
• Identify bottlenecks, resolve operational issues and keep projects on track
• Build and improve internal processes, workflows and reporting systems
• Manage relationships with suppliers, contract manufacturers and external partners
• Work closely with the founders to support operational efficiency and company growth

Skills

Cross-functional project management

Stakeholder management

Organizational skills

English proficiency

Spanish proficiency

Independent work

Job description

We are working with a European defense technology company developing AI-powered autonomous robotic systems.

We are looking for an Operations & Project Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, coordinate engineering and production projects, and help build the processes needed to support a fast-growing hardware startup.

This is a hands-on role for someone who combines strong operational skills with experience managing complex technical projects and working across multiple teams.

What You Will Own

• Manage day-to-day operations, including procurement, supply chain, vendors, facilities and internal processes
• Plan and coordinate projects across engineering, R&D, production and customer deployments
• Track project timelines, milestones, budgets, risks and dependencies
• Coordinate with engineering teams, external manufacturers and production partners
• Identify bottlenecks, resolve operational issues and keep projects on track
• Build and improve internal processes, workflows and reporting systems
• Manage relationships with suppliers, contract manufacturers and external partners
• Work closely with the founders to support operational efficiency and company growth

What We Are Looking For

• 4–8 years of experience in operations, project or programme management
• Experience in hardware, robotics, aerospace, defense or other complex engineering environments
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional projects from planning through delivery
• Hands-on experience with operational processes, suppliers or production coordination
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
• High ownership, attention to detail and comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment
• Professional working proficiency in both English and Spanish
• Based in Madrid or willing to relocate

Strong Advantages

• Experience in hardware manufacturing, industrialisation or new product introduction (NPI)
• Background in drones, UAVs, robotics or defense technology
• Experience working with contract manufacturers and supply chains
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies in hardware development
• PMP or similar project management certification
• Understanding of defense industry requirements

Location and ways of working

This is a full-time role based in Madrid, with a hybrid working arrangement.

The company offers a competitive compensation package, significant autonomy and the opportunity to work directly with the founders while helping scale an innovative European defense technology company.