Chief Technology Officer - Automotive Components Industry

Job Summary:

The Chief Technology Officer leads the technology strategy and innovation for automotive manufacturing, partnering closely with the CEO and COO. The role is responsible for driving a culture of innovation, meeting New Product Development (NPD) timelines, ensuring operational readiness, and capitalizing on long-term industry trends to drive revenue and competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Technology Planning:

• Co-develop a 35 year technology roadmap addressing EV transition, ADAS integration, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0.

2. Financial & Stakeholder Management:

• Prioritize R&D investments and capital expenditures, while presenting quarterly roadmap progress, risk assessments, and ROI projections to the board.

3. NPD & Quality Assurance:

• Oversee the APQP process to secure on-time design freezes and PPAP submissions.
• Drive First Time Right (FTR) improvements using DFMEA and simulation tools.

4. Trend Innovation:

• Monitor global megatrends like electrification and autonomous driving to run pilot PoCs and recommend strategic alliances or business model shifts.

5. Operational Execution:

• Manage seamless technology transfers from R&D to production, ensuring plant readiness for automation upgrades, equipment validation and EV componentry.

Required Skillset:

• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale engineering operations within the automotive or heavy manufacturing sector, with a proven track record of managing complex R&D portfolios.
• Expert-level proficiency in implementing automation, robotics, and smart factory solutions that translate into significant bottom-line impact.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical visions to board members and influence cross-functional teams toward unified operational goals.
• Strong strategic foresight to anticipate shifts in automotive technology, such as EV components or lightweight materials, and pivot organizational capabilities accordingly.
• A degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering from a premier institute, complemented by a deep understanding of lean manufacturing and quality management systems.
• Ability to thrive in a high-growth, on-site environment in Gurugram, maintaining a hands-on approach to problem-solving while mentoring the next generation of engineering leadership.
• 15 - 20 years of progressive leadership experience in the automotive components industry.