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.