Lead the assembly of high-tech machines as a Production Manager at AAE in Helmond. Be part of a team where growth, collaboration and innovation take center stage, and help build technology that makes an impact worldwide.

As Production Manager within our Printing & Assembly Automation (PAA) business line, you are the vital link between people, technology and the future.

You lead the department responsible for assembling, testing, and installing our highly advanced PAA machines, systems that enable smart assembly, precision printing solutions and groundbreaking automation around the world.

With your ability to connect and empower others, you create a safe and inspiring work environment where people bring out the best in themselves and each other. This is how you contribute to what makes AAE unique: technology that truly matters, built by people who truly matter.

Pushing technical boundaries

At AAE, we build the future. Every single day. We do this through groundbreaking technological solutions: high-tech modules, systems, and machines, including the complete automation solutions from our PAA business line. Think of systems that produce up to 350 million products per year, or smart modules that form the beating heart of complex production lines.

Within PAA, we serve a wide range of industries, from consumer electronics to medical technology. And we always do so in close collaboration with our customers. No project is ever the same, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting. You’ll be working in a dynamic high-tech environment where technology is as diverse as the markets we operate in, both nationally and internationally.

What will your role be?

As Production Manager PAA, you are the one who maintains oversight, brings structure, and looks ahead. You are responsible for the entire Assembly PAA department, from developing a departmental vision and leading team leads to optimizing processes, quality, and safety.

Thanks to your technical knowledge and extensive experience in a high-tech production environment, you quickly understand complex processes and know how to improve them effectively. You understand what it takes to elevate a team of skilled professionals to the next level, and you lead with confidence, guided by data, insights, and a strong sense of people.

You don’t do this alone: together with other production managers, team leads, and the operations team, you form a close-knit group committed to making our PAA organization future-proof.

Your key responsibilities at a glance:

• Creating a safe and pleasant working environment while promoting both personal and professional development;
• Developing a medium- and long-term vision for assembling our high-tech machines, and the ability to translate this vision into practical execution with your team;
• Holding budget responsibility for the Assembly PAA department. This includes ensuring the right staffing at the right time in close collaboration with the team leads, while also securing long-term readiness in a sustainable way, in terms of personnel, resources, and facilities;
• Representing production within the PAA business line;
• Analyzing and reporting on the production process, including proposing improvements and related investment recommendations;
• Actively participating in the PAA Management Team, where you represent Assembly and collaborate with Business, Engineering, Procurement, and Finance to strategically elevate the business line.

You will work closely with the Team Leads of PAA and represent Assembly within the PAA Management Team, which includes members from Business, Engineering, Procurement, and Finance. You report hierarchically to the Director Operations.

Be part of something great

What truly makes us unique? Our people. We’re a family-owned company where innovation goes hand in hand with genuine Brabant warmth. From Friday afternoon drinks and pub quizzes to summer BBQs . We love to connect and celebrate together. Even our retirees still join the party. Once an AAE’er, always an AAE’er.

And for those who enjoy a good challenge: we once conquered the Passo dello Stelvio together for charity. A moment to remember, goosebumps guaranteed.

You've got what it takes

You know how to get people moving, without beating your own drum. You are sharp, collaborative, and bring a solid foundation of technical expertise. Does this sound like you? Great.

• Academic working and thinking level (WO) and at least a completed technical bachelor’s degree (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive);
• 5+ years of experience in managing an operational department of 30+ FTE in a hierarchical structure. Experience in a high-tech production environment is a strong plus;
• Strong technical insight; you understand the complexity of our machines and know how to translate technical challenges into practical solutions;
• Proven leadership qualities. You bring calm to dynamic situations and provide direction without losing oversight;
• A true team player, both within your department and across the broader organization;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Strong analytical capabilities and the ability to distinguish between main and side issues;
• Experience in managing field service teams is a plus.

How we take care of you

At AAE, your happiness at work truly matters to us. You’ll notice that in many ways. From our extensive training and growth opportunities to our comprehensive vitality program, where we focus on both the physical and mental well-being of our people.

And did you know AAE was awarded the title ‘World Class Workplace 2023–2024’? This recognition is only given to organizations that score above average in employee satisfaction, based on feedback from their own people. Something we’re proud of!

As a Production Manager PAA, based on a 40-hour workweek, we offer you:

• A gross monthly salary between €5,000 and €8,500 (depending on experience and performance);
• An annual profit-sharing bonus;
• 40 days of paid leave;
• Travel expense reimbursement;
• Participation in the AAE Academy;
• Occasional (international) customer visits as part of your role.

Together we move the world happily forward

Do you want to make a real difference in the world? Start by applying for the role of Production Manager PAA and begin your journey toward a better future — for yourself and for others!