Production Manager

Archangel Autonomy; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A defence technology firm in central Oxford is seeking a Production Manager to oversee in-house production and facilitate the transition to contract manufacturing. This hands-on role requires experience in a high-assurance manufacturing environment and strong procurement management skills. Candidates will contribute significantly to producing cutting-edge technology for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The position offers a dynamic environment, merit-based compensation, and various perks including medical insurance and a pension contribution.

Benefits

Merit-based compensation

25 days holiday + UK bank holidays

5% employer pension contribution

Medical Insurance

Relocation Support package

Team socials

Cycle2work scheme

Free Monday team lunch

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-assurance manufacturing environment.
• Ability to manage small-volume in-house production.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage small-volume production schedules.
• Coordinate supplier selection and manage relationships.
• Provide hands-on support for build issues when needed.

Skills

Production management

Procurement management

Hands-on engineering

Supplier relationship management

Risk tracking

Job description

We are seeking a Production Manager to join our team!

Are you a hands-on technology production manager who enjoys building things properly in a high-assurance industry – not just managing spreadsheets?

We’re looking for a Production Manager to join our growing defence AI company in central Oxford, helping us scale from advanced prototyping and small volume production into reliable, repeatable high-volume production. Our products are deployed on crewed and uncrewed aircraft, where quality, traceability and delivery matter.

This role is well suited to someone from a high-assurance manufacturing environment who enjoys variety and fast-paced, dynamic environment, is comfortable getting hands-on and wearing other hats when needed. This is a highly impactful role as you can shape how production is done in a scaling technology company

You’ll primarily own small-volume in-house production and support the transition to contract manufacturing as volumes grow. Depending on your interests and experience, there are also opportunities to get involved in field trials, integration activities with a range of partner aircraft, and quality management work.

How you’ll make an impact

• Production management (primary): Plan and manage small-volume in-house production to support R&D delivery and the transition to higher-volume contract manufacturing; Own production schedules, build readiness, capacity planning and risk tracking; put in place pragmatic production control processes to support on-time delivery and low non-conformance rates.

• Procurement & supplier management (secondary): coordinate sourcing and supplier selection and negotiation for production-critical items; manage supplier relationships for small-volume production, including delivery, quality and responsiveness; maintain a resilient and practical supply chain.

• Production engineering (occasional): Step in hands-on where needed to provide additional capacity or solve practical build issues; work closely with engineering to improve manufacturability and build documentation.

By joining us, you'll have:

• The ability to make a measurable difference in the creation of cutting-edge technology in a rapidly growing start-up

• Fast-paced environment with a world-class, positive, talented, and high-achieving team

• Forward-thinking, supportive culture with company retreats and strategic alignment

• World-class growth opportunities and training resourcesincluding self-development daysAn opportunity for drone pilot training

• Merit-based compensation

• 5% employer pension contribution

• 25 days holiday + UK bank holidays

• Medical Insurance

• Relocation Support package

• Team socials

• A variety of perks that are evolving: Free Monday team lunch, Cycle2work scheme, annual subscription allowance

Security clearance

Due to the sensitive nature of some of our work, it would be beneficial for candidates to be able and willing to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for this role.

Location

This is an office-based role in Oxford. You'll work alongside leading engineers, AI specialists, and industry pioneers, contributing directly to cutting-edge advancements in autonomous technology.

The Archangel Experience

We are makers and engineers first, driven by the desire to solve challenges that matter. Automation is how humanity moves forward and for us it’s more than a method; it is a mindset- central to how we streamline work and deliver cutting edge solutions that make a real difference.

Our culture is grounded in high integrity, teamwork, and a shared pursuit of excellence. Learning never stops here. We prioritise growth, knowledge sharing, and collaboration so every team member is empowered to thrive. We are looking for people who are proactive, collaborative, and passionate about purpose led technology. If you are excited by meaningful challenges, thrive in fast paced environments, and want to build technology that supports solving real-world problems, you will feel right at home.

So, what’s next?

Apply now, and a member of our HR team will get in touch with you shortly. Our usual process includes reviewing your CV, a 30-minute phone screening, a live technical assessment and interview, plus if your interview falls on a Monday, you might even get to enjoy lunch with the team!