Project Manager - Product & Program Management - Automotive - Contractual

Job Title: Project Manager Product & Program Management (Automotive) Location: Pune Employment Type: 1-Year Contract About the Role: We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to join a leading global management consulting client. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in product and program management within the automotive industry, with experience driving cross-functional projects from concept to launch. Key Responsibilities: - Lead end-to-end project execution for automotive product development initiatives. - Manage project scope, timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables. - Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, and Supply Chain. - Drive product lifecycle management from concept through production and launch. - Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery. - Monitor project performance and provide regular status updates to leadership. - Identify project risks, develop mitigation plans, and ensure timely resolution. - Support program governance, resource planning, and project documentation. - Drive continuous process improvements using Agile or Waterfall methodologies as applicable. Required Skills & Experience: - 715 years of experience in Project Management, Program Management, Product Management, or PMO. - Experience in the automotive industry is mandatory. - Strong understanding of product development lifecycle (NPD/NPI). - Experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple stakeholders. - Proficiency in project management tools such as Jira, MS Project, or similar. - Good understanding of Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, or Hybrid project management methodologies. - Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills. Preferred Experience: - Experience with Automotive OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers. - Exposure to EV, Powertrain, Transmission, Chassis, Body Engineering, Automotive Electronics, or Vehicle Development projects. - PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, or Scrum certifications are an added advantage. Education: - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Electronics, Industrial, or related Engineering discipline. - MBA or Project Management certification is preferred.