Plant Manager

Airbotics Talent are exclusively partnered with a rapidly scaling autonomous robotics company developing advanced aerial systems for defence, public safety and industrial markets. As part of a major expansion programme, the organisation is establishing a new advanced manufacturing facility in Texas to support production across a growing portfolio of robotic platforms.

To support this build phase, they are appointing a Plant Manager to lead the establishment and scaling of manufacturing and operational capability from day one.

This is a full-time, on site position based in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex
. Relocation support is available for candidates based elsewhere in the United States.

This is a senior operational leadership role responsible for building and managing the manufacturing environment within a newly established robotics production facility.

You will oversee the development of production systems, workflows, and operational processes that enable efficient, high-quality assembly of complex electromechanical platforms. The position combines hands‑on operational leadership with strategic responsibility for establishing scalable manufacturing standards.

This role is suited to someone who enjoys building systems from the ground up rather than inheriting an already mature operation. The successful candidate will design the operational foundation that enables the organisation to scale manufacturing capability across multiple product lines over time.

• Lead the launch and operational development of a new robotics manufacturing facility
• Establish production layouts, workstation design and manufacturing workflows
• Develop capacity planning models, staffing structures and throughput strategies
• Introduce lean production principles including standard work, visual management and continuous improvement practices
• Build structured daily management systems and operational performance metrics
• Drive collaboration between operations, engineering, supply chain and quality teams
• Implement quality management frameworks appropriate for regulated manufacturing environments
• Develop production planning processes aligned with demand forecasts and material availability
• Recruit, develop and mentor production supervisors and manufacturing personnel
• Create operational documentation and procedures that can scale across future manufacturing sites

This role requires significant experience leading operations or manufacturing environments within complex hardware sectors such as aerospace, defence, robotics, automotive or advanced electronics.

Applicants should bring direct exposure to live production environments and operational leadership rather than purely engineering design experience.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations leadership
• Proven involvement launching or scaling production environments
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles including flow, pull systems and visual management
• Experience implementing production metrics such as OEE, throughput and quality performance indicators
• Background working in regulated manufacturing environments
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain and quality teams
• A hands‑on leadership style with the ability to build teams and operational systems simultaneously
• Comfort operating in fast‑growth or early‑stage manufacturing environments

This appointment offers the opportunity to shape the operational foundation of a rapidly expanding autonomous systems platform at a pivotal stage of growth.

Our client is progressing this hire with urgency. Interested candidates should submit an updated resume for confidential consideration.

Due to confidentiality and to protect our client relationships, many of our assignments are not advertised publicly. If this role is not quite right, please visit our vacancies page for other opportunities.

Airbotics Talent are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities. All candidates are assessed solely on suitability for our clients’ requirements without regard to age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history or marital status.