Production Manager

Open Cosmos Ltd; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cutting edge technology

Mission-driven work

Diverse team environment

Job summary

A leading space technology company in Harwell, UK, is looking for a Production Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of satellite assembly. The role requires managing multiple shifts, leading teams to meet production KPIs, and ensuring operational efficiency. Ideal candidates will have strong manufacturing or engineering knowledge, leadership experience, and an understanding of quality systems. The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of space technology in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of day-to-day production operations in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Ability to lead team leads and maintain consistency across a shift-based operation.
• Understanding of production KPIs, capacity planning, and operational risk management.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and performance dashboards.
• Clear grasp of quality systems and health & safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operation of AIT production across all shifts.
• Translate production plans into shift rotas, priorities, and staffing coverage.
• Support Team Leads to deliver safely, on time, to quality standards.
• Own production KPIs and review performance.
• Manage operational risks and coordinate effective mitigations.

Skills

Production operations knowledge

Leadership skills

KPI understanding

ERP systems knowledge

Quality systems knowledge

Job description

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

Working in our Chief Technology Office (CTO)

The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.

The Production team delivers Open Cosmos satellites on time, on cost, and on quality — across multiple global sites. At Harwell, the team is growing to support around-the-clock production of complex satellite systems.

What You'll Be Doing

We're looking for a Production Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day running of our UK production operation.

Reporting to the Head of Production, you’ll be responsible for the daily management of satellite assembly, integration, and test activities across multiple shifts.

You’ll lead our Production Team Leads, set the operational rhythm, and make sure plans turn into predictable outcomes ensuring our teams, shifts, and processes work smoothly together safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

Duties include:

• Running the day-to-day operation of AIT production across all shifts.
• Translating production plans into shift rotas, priorities, and staffing coverage.
• Leading and supporting Production Team Leads to deliver safely, on time, and to quality.
• Owning production KPIs, reviewing performance, and taking action where needed.
• Managing short-term operational risks and coordinating effective mitigations.
• Ensuring consistent use of processes, build documentation, and ERP reporting.
• Acting as the main operational interface with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Facilities.
• Providing clear, structured updates to the Head of Production on performance and risks.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong knowledge of day-to-day production operations in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• The ability to lead team leads and maintain consistency across a shift-based operation.
• A solid understanding of production KPIs, capacity planning, and operational risk management.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, shop-floor reporting, and performance dashboards.
• A clear grasp of quality systems and health & safety requirements in a technical setting.
• A structured, decisive approach — organised, calm under pressure, and focused on execution.

This role will be based onsite in Harwell, UK

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in this location.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
• A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.