Senior Program Manager

Job Title: Senior Program Manager (PMP)

Industry: Electric Vehicle (EV) / Automobile

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Program Manager (PMP) to lead complex EV programs using a hybrid delivery approach combining Waterfall and Agile methodologies. This role requires deep expertise in managing hardware-led automotive programs while effectively integrating Agile software development streams to deliver high-quality EV products on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Delivery Management (Waterfall + Agile)

• Plan, execute, and deliver end-to-end EV programs using Waterfall for hardware, manufacturing, and regulatory milestones, and Agile for software, digital, and embedded systems development.
• Define program scope, WBS, schedules, milestones, budgets, and dependencies using PMP best practices.
• Manage stage-gate reviews, design freezes, SOP readiness, and production milestones.

Agile Program Leadership

• Enable and govern Agile execution across software, infotainment, BMS, and connected vehicle teams.
• Coordinate sprint planning, PI planning, release management, and backlog prioritization with Product Owners and Scrum Masters.
• Ensure alignment between Agile delivery increments and Waterfall hardware milestones.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead cross-functional teams across Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Battery, Powertrain, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality.
• Drive collaboration between engineering, operations, vendors, and leadership.
• Resolve conflicts and remove impediments impacting program delivery.

Risk, Cost & Quality Management

• Identify and mitigate risks across technology, supply chain, software, regulatory, and manufacturing domains.
• Own program budgets, forecasts, and cost controls.
• Ensure compliance with APQP, PPAP, ASPICE, ISO 26262, and homologation standards.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Serve as the primary interface with OEM partners, Tier-1 suppliers, and contract manufacturers.
• Provide executive dashboards, status reports, and decision-making recommendations.
• Manage vendor timelines, deliverables, and contractual commitments.

Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Implement PMO governance, metrics, and reporting frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement in hybrid (Waterfall + Agile) delivery models.
• Coach teams on best practices in program execution and delivery excellence.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Must-Have

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or related).
• PMP Certification (Mandatory).
• 10+ years of program/project management experience in automotive or EV domains.
• Strong hands-on experience with Waterfall, Agile, and Hybrid delivery models.
• Proven ability to manage hardware–software integrated programs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Good to Have

• SAFe / Agile certifications.
• Experience in EV startups or fast-scaling automotive companies.
• Global program management exposure.
• Knowledge of connected vehicles, OTA, and digital platforms.

Tools & Methodologies

• MS Project, Jira, Confluence, Primavera, Smartsheet
• Waterfall, Agile (Scrum / SAFe), Hybrid delivery frameworks
• PMI-based governance models.