Lead Project Manager India (m/f/x)

Wieland-Werke AG I Pune (India), Ulm I Business Unit Thermal Solutions I Ident. Code 2026-0210 I immediately

Unleash potential.

Copper connects the world - in technologies, such as eMobility, energy and data transfer, refrigeration and air conditioning technology, digitalization and the Internet of Things. Surprise us with your fresh thinking, new impulses and shape the world of tomorrow. Discover numerous opportunities to unleash your potential.

Wieland stands for diversity and equal opportunities - for this reason, we welcome individual applications regardless of age, gender, nationality, religion, ethnic and social background.

Lead Project Manager India (m/f/x)

Your Future

Take the lead in building something extraordinary! Based initially at Wieland's headquarters in Ulm, Germany, you will drive the establishment of a completely new heat exchanger manufacturing plant in Pune, India. As the central project lead, you will take responsibility for this strategic greenfield investment – from initial planning and site preparation through construction, start of production and successful ramp-up. You will act as Wieland's key representative throughout the project, bringing together international stakeholders and shaping the future of our Thermal Solutions Business Unit in one of the world's most dynamic markets. This is a unique opportunity to combine entrepreneurial freedom, broad responsibilities and international collaboration while building a new manufacturing operation from the ground up.

Project Leadership: You take overall responsibility for the greenfield investment, driving scope, schedule, budget, quality and risk management from initial site preparation through construction, start of production and successful ramp-up. You establish and manage project governance, including steering committee reporting, milestone tracking and preparation of decision papers for management.
Plant Set-up: You lead the planning and establishment of the new manufacturing facility, covering factory layout, production processes, infrastructure, utilities, equipment procurement, installation and commissioning in close collaboration with our international engineering teams.
Joint Venture & Entity Set-up: Acting as Wieland's key representative on site and central point of contact, you manage the day-to-day relationship with the Indian joint venture partner and drive the establishment of the new legal entity in close cooperation with our Legal, Finance and Tax functions.
International Collaboration: You coordinate closely with our Thermal Solutions manufacturing sites in Italy, the USA and China, including the Manufacturing Engineer based in Italy, as well as corporate functions in Germany.
Supply Chain & Commercial Development: Together with Purchasing and Sales, you establish a reliable local supplier base, support early customer engagement and drive the commercial groundwork for the new Indian operation.
Organization & Team Development: Starting with a small core project team, you build the local organization from the ground up and develop a strong team across production, quality, maintenance, and support functions.
Operational Excellence: You embed Wieland values, production standards and EHS requirements from day one. You lead the start-up and ramp-up towards stable performance in safety, quality, delivery and cost, ensuring a structured handover to the local operational management.

Your Potential

Education: You hold a degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Engineering or a comparable technical or business-related field.
Professional Experience: You have several years of experience in industrial manufacturing, plant engineering or a comparable technical environment. Experience in heat exchangers, HVAC/R or metal processing is an advantage.
Project Management: You have successfully managed technical projects, such as investment, plant construction, equipment or production projects. Experience with greenfield projects or plant expansions is a plus.
Leadership: You have initial leadership experience, either in a disciplinary role or as a project lead, and are motivated to take on broader entrepreneurial responsibility.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: You are a hands-on, pragmatic all-rounder who enjoys taking ownership across different disciplines. You are comfortable making decisions with incomplete information, navigating uncertainty and getting things done in a dynamic, evolving environment.
International Experience: You have experience working in international environments and are confident collaborating across cultures. Exposure to India, Indian business practices or joint venture structures is an advantage.
Personality: You combine strong organizational and communication skills with resilience, flexibility and a proactive approach. You know how to build trust, bring different stakeholders together and drive decisions – from the construction site to senior management level.
Language: You communicate fluently in English and German.
Mobility: You are willing to undertake extensive international business travel, particularly between Germany, India, Italy, the USA and China. You are also willing to relocate to Pune, India, for at least three years to lead the implementation, start-up and ramp-up phases of the project.

Your Benefits

Entrepreneurial Freedom: Take ownership of a strategic greenfield investment and build a completely new Wieland manufacturing site from the ground up, with significant scope to shape its future.
High Visibility & Responsibility: Work closely with senior management of our Thermal Solutions Business Unit and make a tangible impact on Wieland's international growth.
International Exposure: Collaborate with colleagues and experts across Germany, Italy, the USA, China and India, building a strong international network.
Personal Development: Benefit from an exceptionally broad scope of responsibility, a steep learning curve and the opportunity to develop your leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities.