Job Title

Profile Brief:The Executive Director - Manufacturing will play a key leadership role in shaping manufacturing agenda by driving policy advocacy, fostering industry–government partnerships, and strengthening sectoral competitiveness across key manufacturing domains.The role will involve close engagement with industry leaders, policymakers, global partners and knowledge institutions to support India's ambition of becoming a globally competitive manufacturing hub. The position requires a strategic thinker with deep domain expertise in manufacturing, strong stakeholder engagement capabilities, and the ability to drive high-impact programmes, research initiatives, and industry platforms.Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs)1. Policy Advocacy and Strategic EngagementLead the development of policy agenda for strengthening India’s manufacturing competitiveness, productivity and global integration.Engage with key Ministries and Government institutions including DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industries, NITI Aayog and other relevant departments on manufacturing-related policy matters.Provide strategic inputs for policy recommendations related to industrial competitiveness, supply chain resilience, trade and tariffs, logistics efficiency, standards, sustainability and technology adoption.Lead preparation of policy papers, industry position notes, consultation responses and submissions to Government on emerging manufacturing challenges and opportunities.Support high-level industry-government dialogues, consultations and task forces to address regulatory and structural challenges affecting manufacturing sectors.2. Industry Competitiveness and Sectoral DevelopmentDrive initiatives aimed at improving manufacturing competitiveness, productivity and operational efficiency across sectors.Develop sector-specific programmes and platforms to strengthen supply chains, enhance domestic value addition and promote export competitiveness.Facilitate knowledge sharing on best practices related to lean manufacturing, quality systems, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing technologies and sustainability practices.Support industry in navigating evolving regulatory frameworks, standards and compliance requirements.3. Thought Leadership, Research and Knowledge PlatformsLead the development of high-quality research studies, surveys and reports on manufacturing trends, sector outlook, global value chains and competitiveness.Contribute to thought leadership on emerging themes such as smart manufacturing, digitalisation, green manufacturing, circular economy, and resilient supply chains.Oversee the development of knowledge products including industry reports, policy briefs, sectoral analyses and white papers.Build partnerships with think tanks, academic institutions and international organisations for collaborative research and knowledge initiatives.4. Industry Platforms, Events and Conference LeadershipConceptualise and lead major industry platforms, conferences, summits and roundtables on manufacturing and industrial competitiveness.Design and implement high-impact industry engagements including national conferences, CEO forums, sectoral summits, international delegations and industry consultations.Work closely with industry leaders and government representatives to curate agendas and drive meaningful dialogue at these platforms.Ensure effective programme management and execution of large-scale industry events, including coordination with stakeholders, speakers and partners.5. Member Engagement and Industry PartnershipsBuild strong relationships with member companies across manufacturing sectors including large enterprises, MSMEs and emerging technology firms.Engage with industry leaders, sector associations and global partners to strengthen collaboration on manufacturing initiatives.Facilitate structured industry consultations to capture sectoral perspectives and translate them into actionable policy recommendations.Expand industry participation in initiatives and enhance the value proposition formember organisations.6. Programme Management and Institutional DevelopmentLead and manage manufacturing-related councils, committees and task forces.Guide internal teams in executing research initiatives, policy engagement activities and industry programmes.Ensure timely delivery of projects, publications, industry consultations and events aligned with strategic priorities.Contribute to strengthening institutional engagement with industry, government and international partners.Qualifications & ExperienceMaster’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, Economics, Public Policy or a related discipline.Minimum 20+ years of professional experience in manufacturing, industrial policy, industry development or related domains.Experience in senior leadership roles within industry, consulting, policy institutions or industry bodies will be preferred.Strong understanding of manufacturing ecosystems, industrial competitiveness, supply chains, technology adoption and regulatory frameworks.Proven experience in engaging with government institutions, industry leaders and multi-stakeholder platforms.Demonstrated ability to lead high-impact programmes, research initiatives and industry events.Excellent communication, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement skills.Key CompetenciesStrategic thinking and policy analysisIndustry engagement and relationship managementProgramme and event leadershipResearch and knowledge developmentStakeholder management and collaborationCommunication and public speakingLeadership and team management