Production & Logistics Manager

Location NPI Reading Employment Type Full time Location Type On-site Department Technology Compensation $60K – $75K Introduction to XYZ A groundbreaking & award-winning Construction Technology company; XYZ Reality are the creators of the world's first and only engineering-grade Augmented Reality solution, purpose-built for the construction industry. Not only have we created this technology, that sits within The Atom – a smart, site-safe headset and hardhat - but we implement it on major Mission Critical (Data Centres, Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical, Aviation) projects, utilising the power of AR to ensure that all schemes are completed in line with the delivery timescales and budgets. Key Responsibilities Production Planning and Execution Direct the assembly, calibration, and testing of AR systems (hard hats, controllers, basestations, charge stations, batteries, and accessories) to precise specifications and SOP standards. Manage production scheduling to meet annual targets of 80–140 new systems and up to 40 repairs, whilst accommodating material lead times and seasonal constraints. Coordinate with procurement to anticipate supply chain challenges; develop contingency plans for component shortages. Maintain detailed production records, build serialisation, and full product traceability through the E-Max ERP system. Ensure production meets forward-looking schedules and communicates status weekly to leadership. Quality Assurance and Compliance Establish and enforce a robust quality management system (QMS) aligned with industry standards for advanced medical-device-like manufacturing. Conduct final inspections on all outgoing products; perform root-cause analysis on customer returns and field failures. Ensure incoming component inspection meets acceptance criteria; maintain detailed defect and non-conformance records. Drive continuous improvement in processes, SOPs, and tooling to reduce defects, rework, and repair cycles. Monitor quality metrics (yield, scrap rate, rework, customer satisfaction) and report to leadership. Product Support and RMA Management Own the Freshdesk customer support workflow; triage and respond to hardware support tickets. Coordinate replacement unit shipments and RMA logistics. Perform failure analysis on returned units; identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Track failure trends and communicate insights to the design and procurement teams. Ensure timely requalification and redeployment of repaired units. Team Leadership and Knowledge Capture Lead a small growing team, high-calibre team (Production Technician, existing Test Tech, Stock/Logistics Person, and rotating contractors/temps) with clear objectives, accountability, and development opportunities. Mentor the Production Technician and support advancement of the Test Tech into process automation roles. Oversee structured knowledge transfer from departing staff; ensure all critical processes, tacit knowledge, and troubleshooting guides are documented, video-recorded, and stored in a centralized knowledge base. Design and deliver onboarding and training for new hires and short-term contractors using paired shadowing, SOP walkthroughs, and hands‑on assessment. Foster a culture of attention to detail, continuous learning, and ownership. Procurement and Supply Chain Coordination Partner with the Procurement Contractor to ensure suppliers deliver on time and to specification. Review and approve purchase orders; track delivery schedules and elevate delays. Coordinate with logistics partners (DHL, Exporter Services) to ensure timely, compliant shipment of products to customers. Maintain visibility on global supply chain risks and mitigation strategies. Inventory and Stock Management (oversight) Oversee real‑time inventory management through E-Max ERP alongside the Stock/Logistics Person. Maintain optimal stock levels for components, work‑in‑progress, and finished goods. Monitor finished goods warehouse staging and customer order fulfilment. ERP and Systems Administration Manage and maintain data integrity within E-Max ERP, train team members on best practices. Interface with Freshdesk for product support and return/repair workflows. Escalate system improvements or troubleshooting to IT as needed. Strategic and Continuous Improvement Participate in senior management meetings to communicate production status, risks, and capability improvements. Identify opportunities for process automation, labour efficiency, and cost reduction without compromising quality. Contribute to capacity planning and resource forecasting as production scales. Key Competencies and Experience Required Essential Experience Minimum 7–10 years in production or manufacturing management, preferably in electro‑mechanical, aerospace, automotive, medical device, or advanced consumer electronics environments. Proven experience managing small, high‑performance teams in lean or startup environments; ability to wear multiple hats and adapt quickly. Deep familiarity with assembly, testing, and calibration workflows for complex, precision products with serialization and traceability requirements. Hands‑on experience with ERP systems (ideally E-Max, SAP, or equivalent); strong IT literacy and troubleshooting mindset. Demonstrated expertise in quality management systems (ISO 9001, IEC 62304, or similar) and root‑cause analysis methodologies. Experience in export logistics, customs compliance, and shipping coordination for global markets. Familiarity with Freshdesk or similar ticketing/support systems for RMA workflows. Familiarity with product repair workflows and warranty/return management. Desired Skills and Background Background in AR, VR, optics, or wearable technology hardware. Knowledge of electronics assembly, PCB handling, and test fixture design. Experience with agile/lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement (Kaizen, Kanban, APQP). Familiarity with product repair workflows and warranty/return management. Experience scaling production from NPI to volume manufacturing. Strong understanding of health and safety regulations in manufacturing environments. Competencies Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to inspire, develop, and hold accountable small teams; excellent delegation and conflict resolution. Technical Acumen: Strong grasp of mechanical/electrical assembly, testing methodologies, and troubleshooting. Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, compliance, and quality; zero tolerance for shortcuts. Problem‑Solving: Analytical, methodical approach to identifying and resolving production issues; proactive risk management. Communication: Clear, professional communication with internal teams, customers, and external logistics partners; excellent written documentation skills. Adaptability: Comfort with ambiguity and rapid change; ability to prioritize competing demands in a resource‑constrained environment. Integrity & Ownership: Reliable, trustworthy, and personally accountable for delivery and quality; transparency in reporting. Compensation Range: $60K - $75K #J-18808-Ljbffr