About Us
Company Overview
BUOYANCY AEROSPACE is the next-generation European defence company delivering critical supply chain, manufacturing, and assembly solutions to the aerospace, space, and defence sectors. With integrated facilities in the UK and Germany, we serve leading OEMs and primes with a zero-defect, agile, and AI-enabled production capability across metallics, composites, and surface treatments. We are currently trusted partners on GCAP/Tempest and F-35, among other critical programmes, with a proven track record of quality and delivery performance.
Our Purpose
To meet the rising demand for solutions in aerospace, space, and defence supply chains, and in the design and manufacturing of critical components, by leveraging generative AI and the collaborative excellence of our people.
Our Mission
We deliver innovative, AI-driven solutions that meet our customers’ strategic objectives, in order to uphold and advance our shared values and freedoms.
Our Values
We operate with Purpose, Excellence, Innovation, and a distinctive Team Culture built on direct communication, personal ownership, and meritocratic accountability.
Role Overview
The Manufacturing Manager will lead and coordinate all core UK operational departments at our Barnoldswick site including Milling & Turning, Surface Treatments, Assembly, Warehouse, Engineering, Orderbook/Planning, and Logistics, to deliver 100% On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) performance while meeting world-class standards in safety, quality, and cost.
Reporting to the UK Managing Director, this is a senior operational leadership role responsible for running the day-to-day factory alongside the UK MD, ensuring seamless alignment with planning, engineering, procurement, and commercial priorities. The Manufacturing Manager will act as a culture carrier, mentoring supervisors and team leads, driving operational discipline, and fostering a high-performance, change-oriented environment.
Key Accountabilities
* Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve 100% OTIF performance against customer and internal KPIs.
* Manage day-to-day performance across machining, surface treatments, assembly, warehouse, engineering, orderbook, and logistics teams.
* Balance workload, shift planning, and resource allocation across all operational functions.
* Translate company strategy into clear operational objectives, priorities, and measurable performance standards.
* Drive cross-functional alignment between planning, engineering, procurement, and production teams.
* Oversee capacity planning and workforce deployment to meet demand and growth targets.
* Collaborate with the Maintenance Lead to ensure autonomous and preventive maintenance plans are executed.
* Implement lean manufacturing, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement initiatives to maximise OEE and reduce waste.
* Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP).
* Engage directly with partners, including SMRs and SBRs, in alignment with management to resolve operational dependencies and maintain performance.
* Lead problem-solving for production issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
* Escalate major risks, constraints, or deviations from plan to the UK MD and CEO where required.
* Develop CAPEX proposals and business cases for strategic investments.
* Actively mentor and coach supervisors and team leads to build operational leadership capability and resilience.
Candidate Profile
Essential Requirements:
* 5+ years in manufacturing leadership, ideally in the aerospace & defence sector, with direct oversight of multi-disciplinary operations.
* Proven ability to deliver 100% OTIF and lead large, diverse teams across machining, treatments, logistics, and assembly.
* Strong understanding of metallics manufacturing (including soft and hard metal) and surface treatments in aerospace.
* Knowledge of aerospace quality systems and regulatory standards (AS9100, NADCAP).
* Track record in implementing lean manufacturing, production planning, and operational excellence initiatives.
* Strong leadership presence, able to act as a cultural ambassador and uphold a meritocratic, high-performance environment.
* Skilled in ERP systems, production data analysis, and operational reporting.
* Background in CAPEX investment planning and execution.
* Able to work full-time, on-site in Barnoldswick.
Desirable:
* Experience managing subcontractors and “extended workbench” manufacturing.
* Familiarity with ITAR, NIST, and defence sector compliance requirements.
Why Work for BUOYANCY AEROSPACE?
The aerospace and defence sector is undergoing a historic transformation. At BUOYANCY AEROSPACE, we anticipated this moment. With fully operational sites in both the UK and Germany, we are uniquely positioned to serve cross-border programmes with agility, scale, and geopolitical stability.
Our Barnoldswick facility is a critical hub for high-precision machining, surface treatments, and assembly for strategic programmes including F-35 and GCAP. We operate at pace, with discipline, and in a culture of meritocracy and innovation.
If you are a results-driven manufacturing leader ready to shape the operational backbone of a growing European defence manufacturer, this is your opportunity.
Compensation and Location
This role offers a competitive salary. It is based full-time at our Barnoldswick, UK site.
Application Process
Our people are exceptional, purpose driven, and the foundation of our success. We will never compromise on our standards of recruitment. Therefore, all shortlisted candidates will undergo a multi-stage interview process, including:
* Verification of operational leadership track record and references from past employers.
* Practical evaluation of manufacturing and operational management capabilities.
* Final interviews with UK and Group leadership to assess alignment with BUOYANCY’s values, pace, and culture.