Mission Manager

Pune Knowledge Cluster; Pune District; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Pune Knowledge Cluster is seeking a Mission Manager to lead the Mission Program Management Unit (M-PMU) for a national initiative. The role involves structuring the PMU, setting KPIs, and managing strategic partnerships to enhance Electric Mobility in India.

Ideal candidates should have 5+ years of experience in technical project management within the automotive industry, alongside a suitable engineering degree. Strong leadership and risk management skills are essential for driving this initiative towards successful commercialization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in technical project management for the auto industry.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Automotive ecosystem, including Batteries and Charging Infrastructure.
• Proven track record in managing complex R&D ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Lead structuring and functioning of the Mission Program Management Unit (M-PMU).
• Build PMU framework and set up Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with industries and government bodies.

Skills

Technical project management

Leadership skills

Automotive industry knowledge

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Education

Degree in Engineering

Masters degree (M.Tech or MBA)

Job description

Job Title: Mission Manager

Type of engagement: Full time

We are seeking an experienced technical project management expert with leadership experience to head the Mission Program Management Unit (M-PMU) for the national government anchored Mission program. The Mission Manager/ Lead will hold executive authority to manage the day-to-day operations of the M-PMU and act as the primary liaison between project stakeholders and the nodal government body anchoring the Mission program.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall structuring and functioning of the M-PMU
• Build a customized PMU framework, including setting up Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), impact metrics, benchmarking, and target setting at the project level.
• Organize periodic review workshops with e-Nodes (consortia of R&D and industry partners) and conduct 1-on-1 check-ins to track progress and identify procedural bottlenecks.
• Identify project risks and implement robust mitigation strategies.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with industries, R&D organizations, and government bodies to mobilize resources.
• Manage financial disbursements, maintain overall budget control, and ensure compliance with project deliverables.

Educational Background: Degree in an Engineering discipline. A Masters degree (M.Tech or MBA) is highly recommended.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in technical project management for projects in the auto-industry and/or of similar scale and sector.

Areas of Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of the Automotive industry/ecosystem (Batteries, PEMD, Charging Infrastructure), Project Management, designing and implementing program governance mechanisms, stakeholder consensus-building, and high-level risk management. Strong leadership skills with a proven track record in consensus-building, managing complex R&D/industry ecosystems, and driving projects towards commercialization.

About PKCF

The Pune Knowledge Cluster Foundation (PKCF) is a not-for-profit Section 8 company that catalises innovation and sustainable development through an ecosystem approach using scientific knowledge and skilled human resources. PKCF is established by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and is one amongst eight S&T clusters in the country.

About the Mission Program

The Mission Program is a flagship strategic initiative by a Government of India body. The mission aims to make India self-reliant and globally competitive in the Electric Mobility sector by fostering cutting-edge, indigenous Research & Development. Operating through collaborative “e-Nodes” – a powerful national consortium comprising over 30 top-tier R&D/academic institutions and 40+ leading industry partners – the mission drives priority-driven, multi-disciplinary research. The goal of the Mission is to bridge critical technology gaps, reduce import dependency, and translate innovative research into industry-ready functional prototypes (TRL 5-7) uniquely tailored for Indian conditions. The Mission Program Management Unit (M-PMU) provides an opportunity to enable and shape India’s sustainable mobility future, coordinating strategic planning, and driving end-to-end value creation across the country’s booming EV ecosystem.