Manufacturing Manager - Eurofighter - Defense BU

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Business Unit Manufacturing Leader, you will be the primary interface between Programs and Operations and is accountable for program manufacturing execution and fulfilment. The role ensures mobilising cross‑functional teams, delivering outcomes in alignment with customer expectations and target cost according to Defence BU priorities.

Essential Responsibilities

• Own program delivery performance and drive actions to eliminate delinquency and stabilise production flow; escalates to sourcing commodities, supplier quality and engineering to solve roadblocks.


• Support the Programs to mobilise cross‑functionally shops, procurement, quality, engineering, commodities and PMO to protect customer outcomes.


• Escalate to Programs when risk, release, priority allocation or trade‑off (quality, delivery, cost, design) are needed.


• Partner with the Programs in driving product cost out and managing programme inventory (strategic buffer needs, MRO stock level).


• Provide programme performance visibility through dashboards, tiered reviews and inputs to the operating cadence (risks, actions, decisions).


• Contribute to continuous improvement on programme delivery and cost.


• Act as the main Operations point of contact for the Eurofighter Programme, ensuring customer demand and programme requirements are correctly captured and translated into integrated production and fulfilment plans across sites and value streams.


• Own end‑to‑end fulfilment execution for the Eurofighter programme (from order release to shipment), ensuring stability and adherence to plans.


• Collaborate with the Programs to launch, coordinate and sustain problem‑solving and recovery actions focused on on‑time delivery, turnaround time and cost for the programme.


• Identify supply chain and execution risks impacting delivery and cost, drive robust mitigation plans, track progress and effectiveness.


• Contribute to strategy deployment (Hoshin / HK) for the business unit by cascading programme‑specific objectives into operational objectives, linking them to improvement actions and ensuring alignment between programme priorities and shop‑floor execution.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited university or college, or equivalent experience.


• Proven significant experience in manufacturing operations, programme fulfilment or production planning in aerospace/industrial environments.


• Strong understanding of SQDC metrics, shop KPI management and action‑plan rigor.


• Proven experience partnering with Quality on containment, root‑cause analysis and defect reduction.


• Ability to manage shortages, prioritise critical parts and drive supplier/material recovery actions.


• Experience with daily management, standard work and structured problem solving.


• Strong cross‑functional leadership and stakeholder management; able to drive results through influence.


• Clear, concise communicator; comfortable in operating reviews and escalation forums.


• Fluency in English and Italian.


• Work visa, in accordance with local regulation, is required.

What we offer

• Smart working and work‑life balance support.


• Performance related bonuses and local bonus scheme.


• Flexible benefit platform.


• Life and injury insurance.


• Private medical cover.


• Employee assistant programme.


• Employee special awards (service and recognition).


• Local special agreements and discounts.


• English and language training for you and one family member.


• Technical, leadership and development training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Avio Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and we are strongly committed to maintaining an inclusive and diverse environment. Every employment decision is taken regardless of national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, etc.