Responsibilities & Key Deliverables
Formulate comprehensive project plans that cover all development phases, ensuring clarity on timelines, milestones and dependencies.
Govern financial planning for programmes, including budget development, monitoring expenditure, and implementing controls to adhere to fiscal limits.
Drive collaborative engagement with cross-functional stakeholders to secure alignment on objectives, requirements and resource optimisation.
Anticipate potential risks and issues, develop and implement effective mitigation strategies, and monitor progress to safeguard programme continuity.
Ensure rigorous tracking and achievement of critical milestones, readiness for project gateways and preparation for successful product launches.
Prepare regular, detailed reporting materials including programme status updates, executive dashboards and presentations for senior leadership review, supporting informed decision-making.
Manage resource allocation efficiently to balance competing priorities and resolve inter-team conflicts swiftly to maintain project momentum.
Maintain up-to-date issue and action trackers, actively spearheading resolution, ensuring accountability and transparent closure of all outstanding items.
Champion continuous improvement by identifying process enhancements and best practices to increase programme delivery effectiveness.
Candidate Profile & Job Requirements
Experience
4 to 8 years of progressive programme management experience.
Industry Experience
Experience in engineering environments focused on complex product development cycles.
Background in Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), preferably in the automotive or tractor sectors.
Hands-on involvement in new product development within related industries.
Educational Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering is mandatory.
MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification with a focus on operations, project management or technology management is preferred.
Core Competencies
Strategic Thinking: The ability to visualise long-term impacts and effectively align programme activities with business goals.
Ownership & Accountability: Demonstrating full responsibility for programme outcomes and actively driving results.
Problem Solving & Decision Making: Skill in analysing complex challenges and making informed, timely decisions under pressure.
Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across diverse teams and external partners.
Communication & Influencing: Excellent communicator with a track record of influencing senior leadership to enable successful project delivery.
Conflict Resolution & Negotiation: Expertise in managing disagreements constructively to support cohesive progress.
Team Collaboration: Fostering an inclusive environment that leverages diverse skills to overcome challenges.
Result Orientation: Commitment to delivering measurable outcomes with a focus on quality, cost efficiency and timely delivery.
General Requirements
Substantial experience within New Product Development and manufacturing contexts, with solid understanding of product lifecycle and operational constraints.
Proven expertise in budget management, risk identification and mitigation, and leading cross-functional teams.
Professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2 or Agile methodologies are highly advantageous, reflecting strong structured project management capabilities.
Technical & Functional Expertise
Advanced proficiency in project planning and scheduling tools including MS Project and other Project Portfolio Management software.
Experience with Integrated Master Plan (IMP) development and management to ensure coordination of multifaceted project components.
Capability in critical path analysis to identify key tasks impacting delivery timelines.
Comprehensive knowledge of project governance frameworks and established gateway management processes.
Strong skills in risk and issue management with proactive implementation of controls and mitigation actions.
Capability in budget preparation and cost control to maintain strict financial discipline.
Expertise in creating and maintaining executive dashboards and reports using Power BI and advanced Excel features for transparent progress tracking.
Experienced in root cause analysis and applying structured problem-solving methodologies to address complex programme challenges.
Preferred Talent Sources
Ideal candidates may come from reputable organisations within automotive, tractor OEMs, large engineering OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or technology firms. Examples include, but are not limited to:
Bosch India
Samvardhana Motherson
Valeo India
Tata Group
Schaeffler India
TAFE
John Deere
Escorts Kubota
Hero Motors
Bajaj Auto
Infosys
Why Join Us?
This role presents a unique opportunity to lead high-impact product development projects that contribute significantly to advancements in global agriculture. At Mahindra & Mahindra, you will engage with cutting-edge technologies within a dynamic and collaborative environment that supports professional development and values diversity. You will help shape innovative solutions that drive the future of the farm equipment industry, while building a rewarding career with a respected multinational leader.
Additional Information
Location: Chennai MRV
Division: Product Development - Farm Division
Travel: Not required for this role
We welcome passionate, driven professionals who are eager to make a significant impact through expert programme management. Join us to be part of a talented and forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation and excellence.
Job Segment: Engineer, Automotive, Engineering
