Program Manager - Vehicle & Plant Integration

Role Overview:
As a Program Manager - Vehicle & Plant Integration, you will play a crucial role in coordinating the development and integration of vehicle manufacturing processes, with a focus on seamless execution across scooter development and factory operations. You will be responsible for driving alignment between multiple teams, removing roadblocks, and ensuring timely and efficient project delivery, all while maintaining high-quality standards. This role is pivotal in shaping the operational success and scale of Ather's manufacturing setup.

Key Responsibilities:
Goal Alignment & Consensus Building:
Build consensus among cross-functional teams (Scooter Development, Factory Operations, and other swimlanes) to ensure project goals align with Ather's OKRs (Objectives & Key Results). Drive execution through effective collaboration and communication across multiple teams.
Execution Management:
Lead the execution of projects by ensuring close collaboration between development and operations teams. Remove roadblocks and prevent delays while ensuring high standards in process quality and product delivery.
Risk Management & Mitigation:
Proactively identify risks throughout the project lifecycle and raise timely alerts. Develop detailed action plans to mitigate risks and address potential impediments to project timelines and objectives.
Long-term Strategy Development:
Work closely with Product Owners and cross-functional teams to prepare and execute long-term strategies for current and upcoming manufacturing locations, including process optimization and facility setup.
Process Optimization & Improvement:
Utilize knowledge of manufacturing processes (such as process flow diagrams, Control Plans, PFMEA) to improve line efficiency, takt time, and throughput. Focus on process enhancements and continuous improvement initiatives.
Stakeholder Communication:
Act as the key bridge between scooter development and factory operations teams to ensure seamless communication, status updates, and alignment. Maintain clear, concise, and timely communication with all stakeholders involved in the project.
Data-Driven Decision Making:
Facilitate data-based decision-making processes with the Product Owner and other relevant teams. Perform make/buy analysis and contribute to the decision-making on new projects.
Manufacturing Life Cycle Expertise:
Bring expertise in the machine development life cycle, line commissioning processes, and knowledge of assembly operations to effectively manage new line setups and platform launches.

Required Qualifications:
Educational Background:
o Bachelors degree (B.E/B.Tech) with 7-11 years of relevant experience.
o MBA in Operations is a plus but not mandatory.
Industry Experience:
o Proven experience in manufacturing, preferably in the 2W/3W/4W/EMS industry.
o Prior hands-on experience in factory operations and assembly processes.
Project Management Expertise:
o Strong experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies to manage and execute high-impact, complex projects across multiple teams.
o Familiarity with tools like JIRA for project tracking and management.

Desired Skills & Competencies:
Ownership & Accountability:
A self-starter with high levels of ownership and a track record of driving results in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Ability to multitask and thrive under shifting priorities and changing requirements.
Collaboration & Relationship Building:
Excellent at working in a team-oriented environment, building relationships across different departments, and effectively collaborating with diverse teams.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills:
Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex problems, process details, and structure tasks for optimal outcomes.
Communication:
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas, risks, and updates to all stakeholders at different levels.

Attention to Detail:
A keen focus on details, ensuring accuracy in project execution while maintaining a broader perspective of the overall program.