Project Manager

Job Description: Project Manager - Skilling Youth Initiative

Location: Chennai/ Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Organization: Macmillan Education India Pvt. Ltd.

Department: Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC)

Overview

Macmillan Education India is seeking a dynamic and experienced Project Manager to lead the implementation of a state-wide skilling initiative aimed at empowering unemployed youth in Tamil Nadu with Job readiness and English communication skills. The initiative, in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), will be executed through an identified vendor. The Project Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery of the program.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning & Implementation

• Develop a comprehensive project plan with clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables in coordination with Macmillan, TNSDC, and the vendor.
• Liaise with stakeholders to ensure alignment with project objectives and state-level policies and requirements.
• Ensure that the program design is tailored to address the job readiness and communication skill gaps of the target audience.

2. Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact between Macmillan, TNSDC, and the implementing vendor.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with state government representatives, training centers, and community leaders.
• Address queries and provide timely updates to all stakeholders.

3. Vendor Coordination

• Oversee the vendors activities to ensure adherence to contractual obligations and quality standards.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations of the vendor based on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure timely delivery of training sessions, learning materials, assessments and other program components by the vendor.

4. Monitoring & Reporting

• Develop and implement robust monitoring frameworks to track project progress and outcomes.
• Conduct field visits to assess training center operations and ensure program quality.
• Prepare and present detailed progress reports, impact assessments, and financial updates for internal and external stakeholders

5. Risk Management

• Identify potential risks and challenges in project execution and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with state regulations, organizational policies, and project-specific guidelines.

6. Financial Management

• Monitor and manage project budgets to ensure cost-effective utilization of resources.
• Approve vendor invoices, track expenses, and ensure financial accountability.

Educational Background: Bachelor's/master's degree in management, Education, Social Work, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in project management, preferably in skilling, education, or development sectors.

Strong understanding of skill development and employability training frameworks.

Soft Skills:

Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

Preferred Attributes:

• Prior experience working with government projects or large-scale skill development programs.
• Familiarity with Tamil Nadus cultural and socio-economic landscape.

Fluency in Tamil and English is mandatory