PPL- MStar Platform

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

As a Platform Purchase Lead specialising within the Global & Novo Platform division at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, you will be the primary accountable person responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of projects related to your assigned commodity – casting components of small tractors. Your role involves comprehensive project management tasks that ensure seamless delivery from concept through to production.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Project Management & Coordination: Lead technical sign-offs, synthesise quotations, and uphold strict adherence to project schedules. Participate actively in feasibility studies and perform risk assessments to align project objectives with business goals.
• Cost, Quality, and Delivery Oversight: Drive material cost efficiency and manage investment budgets prudently. Ensure parts comply with stringent quality standards and validate manufacturability, tooling capabilities, and supplier qualifications to maintain excellence in output.
• Process Compliance & Regulatory Adherence: Monitor and enforce compliance with MPDS (Manufacturing Process Development System) gateways, ensuring that all PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and PSW (Part Submission Warrant) paperwork is thoroughly completed by the delivery teams. Collaborate closely with Centres of Excellence (COEs) to uphold regulatory and internal standards.
• Capacity & Volume Management: Oversee production capacity to match forecasted volumes. Liaise with design and development teams to assure first-time right delivery of parts, thus reducing waste and rework.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Maintain comprehensive Management Information Systems (MIS), analyse project progress, and provide timely updates. Prioritise and track high-impact and risk areas such as HIHR (High Impact High Risk), MIMR (Major In-Process Material Rejection), and LILR (Low Impact Low Risk) alongside the delivery team, ensuring proactive mitigation.
• Support & Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with Home Commodity and other internal stakeholders to secure support in meeting deliverables on time. Assist COEs in technical sign-off procedures to streamline project flow.
• Escalation & Discretionary Judgement: Take appropriate escalation steps to senior leadership including Chief Platform Heads (CPH) and Platform Purchase Head (PPH) for any delayed Statement of Requirements (SOR) release, part development bottlenecks, or Engineering Change Notice (ECN) issues flagged during project execution.

This role demands a meticulous, proactive approach with a focus on quality, cost controls, and timely delivery, contributing directly to the success of Mahindra & Mahindra's Farm Division products.

Experience

We are seeking experienced professionals with 7 to 10 years of proven expertise in project leadership roles within the tractor or related heavy machinery manufacturing sectors. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in managing end-to-end product lifecycle development, especially within casting or similar commodity domains.

Desirable Experience includes:

• Expertise in overseeing technical sign-offs, project feasibility studies, and risk management activities associated with tractor components.
• Hands-on experience with cost management, quality assurance processes, and volume/capacity planning in manufacturing settings.
• Proficiency in coordinating cross-functional project teams and managing supplier relationships to ensure delivery excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to work with tools and platforms such as SAP for resource and process management, as well as Excel for complex data analysis and reporting.
• Leadership experience, capable of driving teams toward achieving stringent project milestones while maintaining compliance with industry standards.
• Strong familiarity with industry-specific compliance and quality control systems including PPAP and MPDS methodologies.

Applicants with direct experience in the tractor parts development sphere, particularly in casting or electrical and electronics commodities within agricultural machinery, will be highly regarded.

Industry Preferred

The preferred industry background for candidates is the tractor manufacturing sector, with experience drawn from companies specialising in agricultural machinery and heavy equipment production. Candidates from the following or similar organisations would possess valuable domain insight:

• Tractor and farm equipment manufacturers with a focus on casting or component development.
• Organisations involved in manufacturing agricultural electrical and electronic components.
• Companies with established engineering, development, and production teams aligned with vehicle manufacturing standards.

The following companies stand out for sourcing relevant talent:

• New Holland (CNH Industrial)
• John Deere
• Kubota
• Sonalika

Experience in these industries ensures familiarity with the unique challenges and regulatory requirements necessary to excel in this role.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree from a recognised institution. This qualification should preferably be obtained through a regular full-time programme to ensure the foundational knowledge of engineering principles relevant to tractor component development.

Additional important qualifications include:

• Strong technical background in mechanical, manufacturing, or electrical engineering disciplines.
• Certification or training in project management methodologies would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing processes, quality assurance systems, and compliance standards.
• Experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP, to assist with resource planning and procurement activities.
• Evidence of continuous professional development to stay current with technological trends in agricultural machinery engineering.

General Requirements

Technical Competencies:

• Mastery of Microsoft Excel for in-depth data analysis, forecasting, and efficient project reporting.
• Experience with SAP or similar enterprise resource planning software, supporting end-to-end project logistics and procurement integration.

Core Skills:

• Strong analytical mindset capable of dissecting complex problems and delivering effective solutions.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, enabling clear dialogue with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborative approach fostering teamwork across multidisciplinary groups.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, guiding teams effectively while managing project pressures.

Industry-Specific Knowledge:

• Comprehensive understanding of tractor parts development, encompassing proprietary components and electrical/electronic system commodities specific to agricultural machinery.
• Experience managing product design, development, and rigorous testing to ensure components meet reliability and performance benchmarks.

Project Delivery Management:

• Track record of leading complex projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and budget constraints.
• Proficient in detailed planning, scheduling, and execution methodologies tailored to manufacturing environments.

Regulatory & Compliance Awareness:

• Knowledge of pertinent industry standards and regulations, incorporating safety and quality compliance.
• Commitment to driving continuous process improvements and adopting innovative technologies relevant to tractor engineering.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, we are deeply committed to fostering a workplace culture that values Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation, drive superior business results, and create a vibrant, welcoming community for all employees.

Our DEI Commitment Includes:

• Inclusive Hiring Practices: We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds, irrespective of race, gender identity, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation to apply.
• Equitable Growth Opportunities: We ensure all team members have access to equal opportunities for professional development, career advancement, and leadership roles.
• Respectful Work Environment: We cultivate an atmosphere where all voices are heard, appreciated, and respected, promoting psychological safety and open dialogue.
• Continuous Learning: We provide ongoing DEI training and resources to build awareness and foster allyship throughout the organisation.

By joining Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, prospective candidates become part of a forward-thinking organization dedicated not only to operational excellence but also to creating meaningful impact through inclusive excellence and social responsibility.