Purpose of the Role
Agratas is a global battery business, backed by Tata Group, on a mission to power the electric future through next-generation battery technology. We're building world-class battery gigafactories supported by cutting-edge R&D, with a commitment to sustainability, performance, and scalable innovation.
We are now seeking a visionary and technically strong
Head of Programme Management
to lead the development and industrialisation of advanced lithium-ion battery cells. This is a pivotal role on leadership team, with the opportunity to help define and deliver the roadmap that will drive Agratas' product and technology advantage globally.
You will work with a multi-disciplinary team spanning chemistry, materials science, design, prototyping, and scale-up. You'll act as the company's project authority and play a vital role in taking innovations from lab bench to gigafactory floor — shaping the core of Agratas' product strategy. You will lead our process engineering initiatives for our UK project, ensuring the timely delivery of complex industrialisation programmes, requirements and capabilities.
Key Responsibility Areas
Programme Leadership:
Lead the execution of multiple process engineering projects, driving the industrialisation of advanced battery cell manufacturing technologies. The role will be responsible for the development, governance and delivery of timing, budget and capability requirements for our UK Gigafactory Project as well as leadership of technology development programmes.
Process Development:
Oversee programmes to design, deploy and optimise the manufacturing systems for electrode manufacturing, cell assembly and Formation, Aging & Test.
Equipment Integration:
Collaborate with process development teams and equipment suppliers to ensure world-class specification, design, test, and commissioning of new machinery for manufacturing processes.
Technology Transfer:
Lead cross-functional teams in transferring technologies from both R&D and other technical partners to manufacturing. Overseeing the development of robust qualification processes for new tools and techniques.
Project Launch Readiness:
The development and delivery of plans for move-in, installation and commissioning of manufacturing equipment, working cross-functionally to ensure alignment of all required functions, tools and processes.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:
Work closely with engineering, capital delivery, quality, supply chain, and automation teams to drive process design changes, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and develop root cause analyses for process failures. Collaborate with external partners, including material suppliers and automation vendors.
Risk Mitigation:
Identify and mitigate technical risks across all stages of process development and scale-up.
Resource Management:
Develop a team of programme managers & engineers. Allocate resources efficiently to meet project deadlines, while maintaining stringent safety and environmental standards.
Budgeting and Cost Control:
Manage programme budgets related to equipment procurement, commissioning, and scale-up activities. Track capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenses (OpEx) to ensure financial efficiency while maintaining high process fidelity.
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field. Advanced technical certifications in programme management or manufacturing are highly desirable.
* Experience of managing and delivering highly complex manufacturing programmes.
* Strong technical experience in battery cell manufacturing processes and a proven record of delivery in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
* High level of understanding of lithium-ion battery chemistries and manufacturing process equipment, as well as technical and environmental standards for battery cell production.
* Strong background in using project management tools and methodologies. Proven ability to manage complex, large-scale programmes with a focus on technical deliverables and timelines.
* Exceptional problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to debugging technical issues, particularly those related to process stability, scale-up challenges, and equipment reliability.
Role Specific Qualifications/Certifications
Engineering degree or equivalent