Program Manager - Automotive

Role Overview: As a Program Manager based in Pune, you will serve as the strategic bridge between our internal engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams and our global OEM partners. You will be responsible for orchestrating the entire lifecycle of complex automotive programs, ensuring that new product development initiatives transition seamlessly from concept to mass production. By fostering high-level relationships with key stakeholders and managing cross-functional teams, you will drive the delivery of high-quality products that meet stringent cost, quality, and delivery targets. Key Roles & Responsibilities: - Lead end-to-end automotive programs from project kick-off to SOP and post-launch stabilization. - Manage OEM customer programs and act as the key interface between the customer and internal teams. - Develop and track program timelines, milestones, deliverables and project plans. - Coordinate with Engineering, R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Purchase, Supply Chain, Finance and Sales teams. - Manage APQP, PPAP, prototype, validation, testing and SOP activities. - Monitor program cost, quality, timing and technical deliverables. - Conduct regular program reviews with OEM customers and internal stakeholders. - Identify project risks, dependencies and bottlenecks and drive corrective actions. - Ensure timely resolution of customer issues and escalation management. - Coordinate engineering changes, customer requirements and change management. - Track tooling, prototype, testing and production-readiness activities. - Support commercial discussions, business cases and new program acquisition. - Prepare MIS, dashboards, project reports and management presentations. - Ensure successful launch and transition from development to serial production. Required Skillset: - Demonstrated expertise in OEM Program Management, with a proven track record of navigating complex automotive supply chain environments and technical product lifecycles. - Advanced proficiency in managing APQP and PPAP documentation, ensuring rigorous compliance with industry-standard quality systems and customer-specific requirements. - Strong analytical ability to manage project financials, including cost estimation, budget tracking, and profitability analysis throughout the product development cycle. - Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and negotiate effectively with high-profile OEM clients. - Proven capability to lead large-scale product launches, maintaining composure and strategic focus under the high-pressure environment of SOP deadlines. Qualification: - BE/B.TECH/ME/M.TECH Experience: - Minimum 15 years of relevant industry experience. - High adaptability to an on-site work environment in Pune, with the flexibility to engage with manufacturing shop floors and client facilities as required by program demands. Industry: - Automotive / Auto Components