Project Manager –Strategic Manufacturing Project

JOB DESCRIPTION      Strategic Project Execution
Lead and execute strategic initiatives related to:
Regionalization and localization projects
Industrialization and manufacturing setup
Automation and digital transformation
Smart factory and Industry 4.0 implementation
Manufacturing transfer and capacity expansion projects
Productivity and operational excellence initiatives

Manage end-to-end project lifecycle including:
Project chartering
Scope definition
Resource planning
Risk assessment
Timeline management
Budget control
Execution and closure

Drive cross-functional coordination across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, and Operations teams.
Manufacturing & Industrialization
Lead manufacturing process implementation and production readiness activities.
Support line setup, assembly process development, process validation, and production ramp-up.
Ensure successful industrialization of new products and manufacturing processes.
Coordinate pilot builds, trial runs, line balancing, and cycle time optimization activities.
Drive manufacturing readiness reviews and gate review processes.
Automation & Industry 4.0
Identify and implement automation opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
Drive digital manufacturing initiatives including:
MES integration
IoT-enabled manufacturing systems
Smart production monitoring
Data analytics and dashboarding
Traceability systems
Digital work instructions
OEE improvement initiatives

Collaborate with automation vendors, system integrators, and internal technology teams.
Cap Ex & Equipment Management
Own equipment procurement activities including technical evaluation, vendor selection, RFQ management, and installation support.
Manage site Cap Ex planning, budgeting, tracking, and financial governance.
Ensure projects are delivered within approved budget and timelines.
Monitor equipment commissioning, SAT/FAT activities, and production qualification.
Business & Leadership Reporting
Prepare detailed business cases, ROI analysis, feasibility studies, and investment proposals.
Present project status updates, milestones, risks, mitigation plans, and financial performance to senior leadership.
Develop project dashboards and governance reviews for management visibility.
Continuous Improvement & Sustenance
Drive Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
Lead process stabilization and manufacturing sustenance after project handover.
Monitor KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
Ensure standardization, process documentation, and best practice implementation.
Support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action implementation.
Technical Skills
Strong understanding of:
Manufacturing operations
Industrial engineering
Automation systems
Lean manufacturing principles
Process validation
Production ramp-up methodologies

Knowledge of:
MES systems
ERP systems (SAP preferred)
Power BI dashboards
Digital manufacturing technologies

Behavioral Competencies
Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
Excellent communication and presentation abilities
High ownership and execution mindset
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to manage ambiguity and drive results in fast-paced environments
Strategic thinking with operational execution focus
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On-time project delivery
Budget adherence and Cap Ex optimization
Manufacturing readiness and ramp-up success
Productivity and OEE improvements
Automation and digitalization implementation success
Cost reduction and localization targets
Process stability and sustenance effectiveness

Preferred Qualifications that Set You Apart:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Minimum 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrialization, or operations project management.
Proven experience managing large-scale manufacturing projects and strategic initiatives.
Hands-on exposure to automation, manufacturing transfer, localization, and Industry 4.0 projects.
Experience in automotive, consumer electronics, industrial equipment, EV, or high-volume manufacturing industries preferred.