Organization: Mercedes‑Benz Research & Development India (MBRDI)
Function: Product Development / Systems Development

Role Overview

Mercedes‑Benz Research and Development India is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager with a strong technical background in Product Development and Systems Development, specifically for Body Standard Functions. The role requires strategic leadership, project ownership, and close collaboration with global stakeholders, particularly teams in Germany.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategy & Organizational Alignment

• Align the team’s strategic direction with departmental and company strategy
• Support execution of company strategy, organizational goals, and departmental development initiatives

Program & Project Management

• Define and acquire business in line with approved strategies and financial plans
• Ensure timely delivery and high quality of all project deliverables
• Establish efficient processes and continuously improve existing ones to enhance productivity, excellence, and competitiveness
• Ensure effective communication across teams, customers, and suppliers

Product Development

• Lead development of Body E/E systems and products
• Collaborate closely with Mercedes‑Benz teams in Germany to ensure global alignment and technical excellence

Leadership & People Management

• Develop and implement processes to attract and retain required talent
• Perform manpower planning, recruitment, and optimal resource allocation
• Drive employee engagement, motivation, and retention
• Build organizational knowledge and competencies
• Set targets, monitor performance, and provide coaching and mentoring
• Safeguard critical resources, knowledge, and confidential information

Financial & Budget Management

• Own financial planning for the team
• Ensure optimal utilization of budget and resources to meet business expectations
• Drive costing and pricing of departmental activities to improve cost efficiency for business units

Networking & External Collaboration

• Build and maintain a strong reputation for MBRDI within the global R&D network of Mercedes‑Benz Cars & Vans
• Support business development and process improvements through internal and external networking
• Establish and nurture knowledge channels with external agencies, universities, and educational institutions

Process Excellence & Governance

• Initiate and drive development actions for managerial growth and goal achievement
• Take ownership of strengthening the organization’s and department’s image through robust process implementation
• Ensure adherence to organizational values with a strong focus on safety, quality, employee morale, and environmental protection

Mandatory Skills

• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a collaborative team player
• Proven experience in the automotive domain; exposure to a multi‑cultural working environment is an added advantage
• Basic knowledge of the German language is preferred

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical & Electronics Engineering
  • Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

Professional Experience

• 14–17 years of overall experience in automotive product development, including:
  • People management
  • Program management
  • Requirements engineering
  • System analysis and validation

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of Body & Comfort systems and associated components
• Hands‑on experience across the complete product lifecycle of at least 4–5 automotive product development projects
• Solid knowledge of automotive user interface components and systems
• Experience in development of high‑complexity ECUs and electronic systems, such as:
  • Body Controllers
  • Displays
  • Head‑Up Displays (HUD)
  • Instrument Clusters
  • Switches and Control Modules