Role Overview:

The Team Member - Project Management (NPD) is responsible for end-to-end coordination and execution of new product development projects, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, internal engineering standards, cost targets, and delivery timelines. This role acts as a key interface between sales, engineering, quality, manufacturing, supply chain, and customers, ensuring projects are delivered within defined Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) parameters.

The role requires strong technical understanding, structured project management skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced engineering-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Cost & Commercial Management

- Execute the project-level sales and marketing plan as defined by the Head of Department (HOD).

- Support achievement of individual annual sales and project contribution targets.

- Receive, analyze, and manage customer RFQs related to new product development.

- Coordinate feasibility inputs, cost estimations, and technical clarifications in collaboration with engineering, tooling, and manufacturing teams.

- Ensure cost adherence throughout the project lifecycle and highlight deviations proactively.

2. Project Planning & Timeline Management

- Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in alignment with customer and internal expectations.

- Develop detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and resource requirements using standard project management methodologies.

- Break down complex NPD activities into structured work packages and actionable tasks.

- Monitor project progress against baseline plans and ensure timely execution of development, validation, and industrialization activities.

- Identify dependencies, bottlenecks, and critical paths, and initiate corrective actions when required.

3. Cross-Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Management

- Act as the central point of coordination between cross-functional teams including R&D, design, tooling, quality, production, procurement, and supply chain.

- Facilitate transparent and structured communication with internal stakeholders and external customers on project status, risks, and changes.

- Collect and incorporate feedback from customers and internal teams to improve project outcomes and customer satisfaction.

- Ensure alignment between functional heads on priorities, resources, and deliverables.

4. Project Delivery & Team Coordination

- Ensure successful project delivery in line with QCD targets.

- Identify and onboard appropriate cross-functional team members in consultation with functional managers.

- Allocate tasks based on project objectives, technical complexity, and timelines.

- Define clear responsibilities, deliverables, and deadlines for each team member.

- Conduct periodic project and performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and escalation where necessary.

5. Documentation, Reporting & MIS

- Maintain comprehensive and standardized project documentation for all NPD projects, ensuring traceability and future reference.

- Prepare accurate, timely, and structured MIS reports on project status, risks, costs, timelines, and deliverables.

- Critically evaluate the accuracy and relevance of reports and implement improvements to enhance decision-making.

- Identify project risks related to cost, quality, delivery, and technical feasibility and escalate as per defined governance mechanisms.

- Prioritize issues requiring immediate escalation versus those suitable for periodic management reviews.

6. Risk Management & Compliance

- Proactively identify project-level risks and implement mitigation and contingency plans.

- Ensure adherence to ARaymond internal processes, quality standards, and project governance frameworks.

- Support compliance with customer-specific requirements, contractual obligations, and industry standards.

7. Information Security & ISO 27001 Compliance

- Maintain awareness of and comply with ARaymond information security policies and procedures.

- Ensure information and data under custody are protected in line with ISO 27001 and ARaymond security standards.

- Comply with contractual and regulatory information security requirements.

- Report any observed security incidents, vulnerabilities, or suspicious behavior to the appropriate authority.

Required Skills & Competencies:

Technical & Functional Skills

- Strong understanding of New Product Development (NPD) processes in manufacturing or automotive environments.

- Ability to read, interpret, and analyze engineering drawings and technical specifications.

- Knowledge of operational and technical feasibility studies.

- Product awareness related to fastening systems, mechanical components, or engineered products.

- Working knowledge of project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent).

- Hands-on experience with SAP (project tracking, costing, or material-related modules preferred).

- Strong data analysis, reporting, and MIS preparation skills.

Behavioral & Professional Competencies

- Structured and analytical approach to problem-solving.

- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight timelines.

- High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and documentation.

- Proactive risk identification and escalation mindset.

- Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural and cross-functional global teams.