Aircraft Senior Production Manager

Aircraft Senior Production Manager

Vertical Aerospace

Kemble, United Kingdom

What to expect

The Senior Aircraft Production Manager is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end aircraft production process for an eVTOL Type Certification programme and ongoing low-to-high-rate production. This role oversees aircraft and test asset production, production facility set-up and readiness, and the leadership of multidisciplinary production teams, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of aircraft in line with programme milestones.

This role is pivotal in establishing and scaling production capabilities, process optimization, and integration of advanced manufacturing technologies. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in aerospace production environments and a strong understanding of eVTOL-specific challenges.

What you'll do

Production Leadership & Strategy:

• Liaise with other stakeholders to develop and implement the company’s certification aircraft production strategy.
• Oversee the entire production lifecycle, from component assembly to final aircraft integration.
• Support long-term production strategy, including workforce growth, facility expansion, and industrialisation planning.
• Identify operational risks, constraints, and opportunities for improvement, driving corrective actions where required.
• Provide regular production status, KPI, risk, and recovery reporting to senior leadership.
• In liaison with the Engineering Test team, manage the build, delivery, & ongoing maintenance of conforming test articles for certification and validation programmes.
• Coordinate with engineering and testing teams to ensure timely availability of assets.

Safety, Compliance & Quality Assurance:

• Ensure accurate configuration control, build records, and production documentation required for certification evidence.
• Work closely with Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, and Certification teams to implement robust quality control systems to ensure compliant production attestation.
• Support audits, conformity inspections, and regulatory engagement.
• Work with other stakeholders to apply, establish and maintain compliance with a POA as well as other aerospace quality standards (AS9100, Part 21, etc.).
• Drive improvements in production processes, efficiency, cost, data quality, and standardisation through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure management of non-conformities, concessions and subsequent process improvements

Team Management & Development:

• Build and manage a high-performing production team, including supervisors and technicians, setting clear objectives, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Operational Coordination:

• Work closely with engineering, supply chain, quality assurance, and program management teams to build a culture of safety, quality, and accountability across all production operations.
• Liaise with manufacturing engineering teams to ensure quality work instructions and a suitable delivery system
• Ensure seamless integration of design changes into production processes.

Facility Setup & Management:

• Liaise with other stakeholders to assist with design, planning, and commissioning of production facilities for low and higher rate production
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.
• Establish processes, workflows, tooling, and equipment to support scalable production.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field.
• Significant experience in aircraft production, assembly, or manufacturing leadership within an aerospace environment managing multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Proven track record in setting up and scaling production facilities.
• Strong knowledge of eVTOL technologies, electric propulsion systems, and composite structures.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with certification requirements for new aircraft programs.
• Experience with automation and digital manufacturing tools (MES, PLM, ERP systems).
• Experience setting up new production facilities or transitioning from prototype to production environments.
• Project management experience.
• A demonstrated flexible and proactive attitude to carrying out responsibilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment.