- Lead the complete lifecycle of automotive programsfrom concept, design, development, validation, to SOP and ramp-up.

- Define project strategy, roadmap, milestones, and success criteria aligned with organizational goals.

- Set QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) targets and ensure all projects adhere to them.

- Head cross-functional project teams including Design, R&D;, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchase, Supply Chain, Testing, and Sales.

- Allocate resources, assign responsibilities, and review team performance.

- Mentor and develop project managers and engineers under the program.

- Oversee all APQP phases, ensuring timely completion of DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, Process Flow, and validation plans.

- Ensure DVP&R; execution, prototype builds, tooling readiness, and PPAP submissions.

- Act as the highest escalation point for customer communication, program reviews, and technical discussions.

- Build and maintain solid relationships with OEM customers and key suppliers.

- Lead negotiations on timelines,



engineering changes, and commercial impacts.

- Conduct periodic management reviews and prepare executive dashboards.

- Identify bottlenecks and drive corrective actions.

- Approve and manage Engineering Change Requests (ECR/ECM) and ensure smooth implementation across plants.

- Guide root cause analysis for critical failures using 8D, 5 Why methods.

- Oversee tooling development, line layout readiness, trial runs, and capacity planning.

- Support SOP, ramp-up, and stabilization in production plants.

- Manage project budgets, tool investments, cost targets, and financial forecasting.

- Approve commercial proposals, BOM accuracy, and cost optimization initiatives.

- Drive VA/VE activities to improve profit margins.

- Ensure documentation completeness: APQP, PPAP, DVP&R;, process sheets, timelines, and management reports.

📌 Npd Manager (Chennai)
🏢 National Plastics Group
📍 Chennai