Functional title: Packaging Engineering TA India

Key points and objectives of the position:

- This position will lead the strategic and operational aspects of packaging solutions across DICV's product portfolio - including domestic Trucks, Buses, Parts Business and international exports through CKD and CC.

- This role is central to enabling efficient logistics, operational excellence, cost competitiveness, and championing innovation in digital and sustainable practices.

- This position will steer packaging design validation, manage external partners (including LSPs), and align cross-functional teams to deliver packaging that meets quality, compliance, and cost goals.

- This role is responsible for managing an annual volume of business of - 170 Cr INR across a diverse supplier base of 500+ vendors)

Job location - Chennai, India

Description of tasks:

Main task :

1. Strategic Packaging Management:

- Develop and execute end-to-end packaging strategy aligned with DICV's business units (Truck, Bus, CKD and CC) and supply chain goals.

- Lead packaging readiness for new vehicle launches, model transitions, and imported/localized parts incl. Imports and NPM parts

- Ensure alignment of packaging operations with export and domestic market demands.

- Validate packaging concepts and technical solutions to ensure safety, durability, and regulatory compliance.

- Drive export-worthy packaging development for CKD and CS businesses (4,000+ parts).

- Manage outbound packaging for domestic and export parts

- Lead, Guide and Manage the validation of packaging designs from outsourced vendors to meet quality, durability, and transport safety standards.

- Strategize and deploy returnable and modular packaging structures in sync with industry best practices.

2. Operational Excellence & Cost Optimization:

- Institutionalize lean principles in packaging operations to drive down costs and improve material efficiency.

- Identify and implement

- Packaging improvements to reduce logistics cost, space consumption, and damage rates.

- Cost reduction opportunities in packaging design, material usage, transport optimization, and handling.

- Streamline processes such as material work orders and part packaging transitions across lifecycle stages.

- Ensure packaging supports end-to-end flow from suppliers to the line-side, reducing non-value-added handling.

- Lead cost-saving initiatives for Truck, Bus, CC and CKD packaging.

- Streamline packaging workflows, including Material Work Order (MWO) processes, to enhance speed and accuracy in series management.

3. Sustainability & Innovation:

- Champion lifecycle thinking in packaging - from design to end-of-life recovery - across all business streams.

- Lead digitalization initiatives for Truck, Bus, and CKD packaging processes

- Champion reduction of one-way packaging and transition to recyclable/returnable solutions.

- Minimize use of plastics and non-eco-friendly materials; adopt sustainable alternatives.

- Explore and adopt digital tools and platforms for packaging design, simulation, lifecycle tracking, material optimization and performance analysis using digital tools & simulators.

- Create a roadmap for achieving DICV's sustainability commitments through packaging transformation by adoption of eco - friendly materials.

- Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to develop innovative and space-efficient packaging solutions.

4. Vendor & LSP Management:

- Lead governance of external packaging vendors and third-party LSPs responsible for outsourced packaging services.

- Develop a strong understanding of the packaging service ecosystem and build long-term partnerships.

- Define and monitor SLAs for outsourced packaging processes (kitting, assembly, cleaning, reverse logistics, etc.).

- Conduct regular vendor reviews, capability assessments, and compliance audits.

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Governance:

- Act as the primary interface (window person) from DICV for 1,000+ external stakeholders across development and series topics

- Represent Packaging Engineering in high-level forums, including CTM, Logistics Reviews, Quality Excellence Board, SteCo, STM's.

- Align packaging strategies with supply chain, procurement, quality, and engineering to ensure end-to-end efficiency

- Support documentation and regulatory alignment for logistics and trade compliance where packaging is involved.

- Steer cross-functional team (CFT) discussions on critical packaging engineering topics across product, quality, procurement, and manufacturing functions.

5 Leadership & Reporting :

- Lead and mentor a team of Packaging specialists across CKD, CC, and domestic packaging operations.

- Define team structure, roles, and growth plans based on business demands and capability needs.

- Establish and track team KPIs, aligning performance with business goals and customer expectations

- Plan and manage the department's operating budget effectively.

- Drive a high-performance culture based on ownership, collaboration, continuous learning, customer orientation and innovation

Qualification:

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Experience:

- Minimum 15+ years of experience in packaging development and supply chain operations, preferably in automotive or manufacturing sectors.

- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills with experience handling large supplier networks, managing outsourced service eco-system

- Proficiency in packaging design tools, ERP systems, and digital platforms.

- Strong knowledge of packaging design validation, material flows, and export logistics.

- Demonstrated success in cost-saving, sustainability, and digital transformation initiatives.

- Excellent communication, analytical, and project management skills.

- Exposure to sustainability-driven packaging initiatives and digital tools.

Skills:

- Leadership, stakeholder influence, and cross-cultural communication.

- Cost management and continuous improvement mindset.

- Basic proficiency in packaging design and simulation tools.

- Familiarity with SLA governance and vendor contract management.

- Business acumen and ability to align packaging outcomes with strategic goals.

Declaration of commitment / compliance reminder

It must be ensured that all Group and location rules and regulations, guidelines and works agreements, etc. that apply for the area of responsibility transferred are complied with or applied. In particular, these include adherence to the relevant compliance regulations, safety, data protection, work safety, and environmental regulations, and working hours regulation.