Project Leader

Your role

The R&D Project / Program Lead II is a recognized subject matter expert responsible for leading complex engineering projects, programs, and portfolio management initiatives with limited supervision. The role provides leadership in project governance, program management, portfolio visibility, resource planning, risk management, and operational excellence.

The position drives the development and implementation of scalable project management frameworks, reporting systems, and governance practices to improve project delivery predictability, stakeholder alignment, and organizational effectiveness. The role acts as a trusted advisor to engineering leadership and provides guidance to project managers and cross-functional teams.
 

Key Responsibilities

Project & Program Leadership

• Lead complex engineering projects and multi-project programs from initiation through execution.
• Develop project plans, schedules, resource requirements, and delivery strategies.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business goals.
• Manage cross-functional collaboration and resolve project constraints and dependencies.

PMO Governance & Portfolio Management

• Establish and drive project management standards, methodologies, and governance processes.
• Support portfolio planning, prioritization, and execution across engineering programs.
• Manage resource capacity planning and provide visibility into future staffing needs.
• Facilitate leadership reviews, stage-gate assessments, and governance forums.

Risk, Change & Performance Management

• Drive project and portfolio-level risk, issue, and change management processes.
• Monitor project performance and ensure timely mitigation of delivery risks.
• Define and track project KPIs, metrics, and performance indicators.

Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Develop executive dashboards, portfolio reports, and business performance insights.
• Leverage Power BI, Excel, and project management tools to support decision-making.
• Communicate project status, risks, dependencies, and business impacts to leadership and stakeholders.

Coaching & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor project managers and teams on project management best practices.
• Drive adoption of PMO standards, tools, and governance processes.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

To succeed, you will need

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Business Management, or a related discipline.

Master's degree preferred.

PMP, PRINCE2, PgMP, Agile, or equivalent project management certification is mandatory.
Experience

Typically 10–12+ years of progressive experience in project management, program management, PMO leadership, engineering operations, or related disciplines.

Proven experience managing complex engineering projects and multi-project portfolios.

Demonstrated experience establishing project governance, PMO frameworks, and reporting systems.

Experience working in global, cross-functional engineering organizations.

Experience in resource planning, portfolio management, and operational improvement initiatives is preferred.

Program & PMO Management Competencies

Program Management

Portfolio Management

PMO Governance

Resource & Capacity Planning

Risk & Issue Management

Change Control Management

Stakeholder Management

Executive Reporting

Business Analytics & Dashboard Development

Power BI & Data Visualization

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

Project Lifecycle Management

Cross-Functional Leadership

Leadership Competencies

Strategic Thinking

Systems Thinking

Influencing Without Authority

Decision Making

Problem Solving

Coaching & Mentoring

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Communication & Presentation Skills

Stakeholder Leadership

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Scope & Impact

Acts as a recognized subject matter expert in project, program, and portfolio management practices.

Operates independently with limited managerial supervision and exercises sound judgment in prioritization, decision-making, stakeholder management, and problem resolution.

Leads complex projects, strategic initiatives, and PMO improvement programs with significant business impact.

Influences project management standards, governance models, and operational practices across engineering organizations.

Provides guidance and mentorship to project managers and cross-functional teams.

Drives increased portfolio visibility, delivery predictability, and project management maturity.

Contributes to organizational capability building and continuous improvement initiatives.

In return, we offer

• Culture of trust and accountability
•  Lifelong learning and career growth
•  Innovation powered by people
•  Comprehensive compensation and benefits
•  Health and well-being

Job location

Hybrid
This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, allowing you to split your time between working remotely and being on-site at our Pune Office.