Production & Logistics Manager

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.

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 escalate 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.