Lead - Program Management

Role Overview

The Program Management role is responsible for leading cross-functional teams (CFT) for new product development, ensuring successful project execution from concept to SOP (Start of Production) and smooth handover to plants. The role acts as the primary interface between customers and internal stakeholders to ensure delivery on cost, quality, and timelines.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Customer Management

• Act as the single point of contact for customers for new projects
• Conduct regular customer meetings and share program updates
• Track customer issues and ensure timely resolution
• Coordinate customer visits and plant interactions

2. Cross-Functional Team (CFT) Management

• Form and lead CFTs (R&D, QA, Manufacturing, Tooling, etc.)
• Define roles, responsibilities, and project targets
• Conduct periodic reviews to track progress
• Identify training needs for the team

3. Project Planning & Execution

• Develop APQP plans, timelines, and resource allocation
• Align individual team timelines with overall project schedule
• Identify critical paths and monitor closely
• Coordinate with RFQ and BD teams for project inputs

4. Cost Management

• Review and finalize CAPEX with Manufacturing Engineering
• Track BOM costs during RFQ phase
• Monitor tooling and ECN cost recovery
• Control overall project cost vs. budget

5. Project Monitoring & Reviews

• Track project progress via PLM systems
• Conduct APQP, customer, and management reviews
• Ensure timely escalation of risks and issues
• Monitor milestones and deliverables

6. Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure timely PLM gate approvals and sign-offs
• Maintain project documentation per IATF standards
• Oversee ECN implementation and approvals
• Support audits (customer & internal)

7. Project Launch & Handover

• Ensure smooth and timely product launch as per customer plan
• Drive First-Time-Right (FTR) approach and PPAP readiness
• Track open issues and ensure closure before SOP
• Execute structured handover to plant teams

Key Activities (Day-to-Day)

• Monitor multiple projects and track milestones
• Conduct review meetings with cross-functional teams
• Prepare dashboards, MIS, and reports for management
• Identify risks and ensure mitigation plans
• Track action items and ensure timely closure
• Maintain documentation (project plans, risk logs, reports)
• Support strategic initiatives and program rollouts

Key Challenges

• Managing cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Resource constraints across departments
• Lack of digitized tools for program tracking
• Coordination across multiple locations
• Ambiguity in roles and responsibilities within teams

Decision-Making Authority

• Project timelines and development lead times
• Escalation and recovery plans for delays

Role Dimensions

• Indirect Team Size: 1012 members per project
• Direct Reports: None

Educational Qualifications

• Minimum Qualification: B.E. (Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics)

Experience

• 10–20 years in the Automotive industry
• 6–8 years in Program Management

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of product development lifecycle
• Experience in tooling and plastic components
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, and IATF documentation
• Strong project management and stakeholder coordination skills

Core Competencies

Behavioral Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Ownership & Accountability
• Operational Excellence
• Planning & Execution
• Collaboration & Teamwork

Technical Competencies

• Program & Project Management
• Product Development Processes
• Cost & Risk Management
• Quality & Compliance Standards