Production & Logistics Manager
XYZ Reality
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 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.
Compensation Range: $60K - $75K