Product Manager

Hi, Greetings for the day!! Urgent opportunity with a wellknown manufacturing firm in Pune. Please find the below details. Job Profile – Senior Manager, Product Planning Business Unit: Auto / Special Applications Department: Product Planning & Strategy Reports To: Sr. General Manager – Auto & Special Applications Location: Pune Position Summary The Product Planning is responsible for defining and executing the product strategy and portfolio roadmap for the Auto & Special Applications Business Unit. The role bridges market requirements, customer needs, engineering, manufacturing, sales, and finance to ensure successful development and commercialization of competitive products. The incumbent will drive new product planning, lifecycle management, market intelligence, and cross-functional program execution to achieve business growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Key Responsibilities Product Strategy & Portfolio Management Develop and execute the product roadmap aligned with business strategy. Identify market opportunities and define future product portfolio. Conduct portfolio rationalization based on profitability, market demand, and strategic fit. Develop long-term technology and product planning strategy. Market Intelligence & Customer Insights Monitor market trends, regulations, and competitive products. Conduct Voice of Customer (VOC) activities with OEMs and channel partners. Analyze customer requirements and convert them into product specifications. Benchmark competitors on performance, features, pricing, and technology. New Product Planning Lead concept development for new products and applications. Prepare Product Requirement Documents (PRD) and business cases. Define product positioning, target cost, pricing strategy, and value proposition. Coordinate feasibility studies with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain. Cross Functional Leadership Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, Marketing, and Finance. Lead cross-functional reviews during product development. Ensure timely execution of product launch activities. Support Program Management for milestone achievement. Product Lifecycle Management Manage product lifecycle from concept to end-of-life. Drive product improvements based on market feedback. Manage engineering changes and product upgrades. Recommend cost reduction and value engineering initiatives. Business Planning Prepare annual product plans and investment proposals. Develop revenue forecasts and product profitability analysis. Support budgeting and strategic planning exercises. Monitor product performance against KPIs. Customer & Business Development Support OEM customer acquisition through product presentations. Participate in customer technical reviews. Develop application-specific solutions for Automotive and Industrial customers. Support strategic partnerships and technology collaborations. Educational Qualification Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering / Automobile Engineering / Industrial Engineering MBA (Marketing / Strategy / Operations) preferred Experience 12–18 years of experience in Automotive, Engine, Mobility, Industrial Equipment, or Special Applications. Minimum 5 years in Product Planning, Product Management, or Program Management. Experience with OEM customers and cross-functional product development. Exposure to ICE, Powertrain, Mobility, Agricultural Equipment, Industrial Engines, is preferred. Technical Competencies Product Planning Product Portfolio Management Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Market Research & Competitive Benchmarking Business Case Development Cost Analysis & Target Costing New Product Development (NPD) Customer Requirement Management Pricing Strategy Product Positioning Risk Assessment Financial Analysis Value Engineering Engineering Change Management Functional Skills Strategic Planning Market Intelligence Business Development Customer Engagement Commercial Acumen Product Marketing Data Analysis Decision Making Negotiation Stakeholder Management Leadership Competencies Strategic Thinking Innovation & Continuous Improvement Cross-functional Leadership People Development Collaboration Result Orientation Customer Focus Change Management Problem Solving Influencing Skills Success Profile The successful candidate will: Build a future-ready product portfolio aligned with market and customer needs. Deliver profitable new product introductions on time and within budget. Enhance customer satisfaction through innovative and application-focused solutions. Drive strategic growth in the Auto & Special Applications business by identifying new market opportunities and technology trends. Lead cross-functional collaboration to accelerate product development and commercialization while ensuring sustainable business growth.