Platform Program Manager

Company Overview

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd is a leading multinational corporation with a strong presence in the automotive and farm equipment sectors. Our Farm Division is dedicated to pioneering innovation and excellence in product development, with a commitment to delivering impactful solutions that meet the evolving demands of global agriculture. We cultivate a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that values collaboration and recognises the vital contribution of every team member towards our collective success and sustainable growth.

Position Summary

We are seeking a skilled and proactive Program Manager to join the Product Development team within our Farm Division at the Chennai MRV facility. This role demands leadership in managing the complete lifecycle of product development projects, from initial ideation through design, execution and culminating in production launch. The Program Manager will be responsible for delivering projects on schedule, within agreed budgets, and in accordance with strategic business objectives. You will orchestrate cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance and other key teams, ensuring alignment and smooth execution to meet ambitious programme milestones.

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

1. Formulate comprehensive project plans that cover all development phases, ensuring clarity on timelines, milestones and dependencies.
2. Govern financial planning for programmes, including budget development, monitoring expenditure, and implementing controls to adhere to fiscal limits.
3. Drive collaborative engagement with cross-functional stakeholders to secure alignment on objectives, requirements and resource optimisation.
4. Anticipate potential risks and issues, develop and implement effective mitigation strategies, and monitor progress to safeguard programme continuity.
5. Ensure rigorous tracking and achievement of critical milestones, readiness for project gateways and preparation for successful product launches.
6. Prepare regular, detailed reporting materials including programme status updates, executive dashboards and presentations for senior leadership review, supporting informed decision-making.
7. Manage resource allocation efficiently to balance competing priorities and resolve inter-team conflicts swiftly to maintain project momentum.
8. Maintain up-to-date issue and action trackers, actively spearheading resolution, ensuring accountability and transparent closure of all outstanding items.
9. Champion continuous improvement by identifying process enhancements and best practices to increase programme delivery effectiveness.

Candidate Profile & Job Requirements

Experience

 4 to 8 years of progressive programme management experience. 

Industry Experience

• Experience in engineering environments focused on complex product development cycles.
• Background in Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), preferably in the automotive or tractor sectors.
• Hands-on involvement in new product development within related industries.

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is mandatory.
• MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification with a focus on operations, project management or technology management is preferred.

Core Competencies

1. Strategic Thinking: The ability to visualise long-term impacts and effectively align programme activities with business goals.
2. Ownership & Accountability: Demonstrating full responsibility for programme outcomes and actively driving results.
3. Problem Solving & Decision Making: Skill in analysing complex challenges and making informed, timely decisions under pressure.
4. Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across diverse teams and external partners.
5. Communication & Influencing: Excellent communicator with a track record of influencing senior leadership to enable successful project delivery.
6. Conflict Resolution & Negotiation: Expertise in managing disagreements constructively to support cohesive progress.
7. Team Collaboration: Fostering an inclusive environment that leverages diverse skills to overcome challenges.
8. Result Orientation: Commitment to delivering measurable outcomes with a focus on quality, cost efficiency and timely delivery.

General Requirements

1. Substantial experience within New Product Development and manufacturing contexts, with solid understanding of product lifecycle and operational constraints.
2. Proven expertise in budget management, risk identification and mitigation, and leading cross-functional teams.
3. Professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2 or Agile methodologies are highly advantageous, reflecting strong structured project management capabilities.

Technical & Functional Expertise

1. Advanced proficiency in project planning and scheduling tools including MS Project and other Project Portfolio Management software.
2. Experience with Integrated Master Plan (IMP) development and management to ensure coordination of multifaceted project components.
3. Capability in critical path analysis to identify key tasks impacting delivery timelines.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of project governance frameworks and established gateway management processes.
5. Strong skills in risk and issue management with proactive implementation of controls and mitigation actions.
6. Capability in budget preparation and cost control to maintain strict financial discipline.
7. Expertise in creating and maintaining executive dashboards and reports using Power BI and advanced Excel features for transparent progress tracking.
8. Experienced in root cause analysis and applying structured problem-solving methodologies to address complex programme challenges.

Preferred Talent Sources

Ideal candidates may come from reputable organisations within automotive, tractor OEMs, large engineering OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or technology firms. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Bosch India
• Samvardhana Motherson
• Valeo India
• Tata Group
• Schaeffler India
• TAFE
• John Deere
• Escorts Kubota
• Hero Motors
• Bajaj Auto
• Infosys

Why Join Us?

This role presents a unique opportunity to lead high-impact product development projects that contribute significantly to advancements in global agriculture. At Mahindra & Mahindra, you will engage with cutting-edge technologies within a dynamic and collaborative environment that supports professional development and values diversity. You will help shape innovative solutions that drive the future of the farm equipment industry, while building a rewarding career with a respected multinational leader.

Additional Information

• Location: Chennai MRV
• Division: Product Development - Farm Division
• Travel: Not required for this role

We welcome passionate, driven professionals who are eager to make a significant impact through expert programme management. Join us to be part of a talented and forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation and excellence.