Manager - Homologation & Certification

Company: Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited Responsibilities & Key Deliverables Lead and manage certification processes for Electric Vehicles and Combustion Engine vehicles, specifically focusing on CMVR and ECE Certification for 3 Wheelers and 4W Cargo Carrier under the N1 Category. Thoroughly review and interpret AIS, IS, ECE, and EEC regulations to ensure full compliance throughout the product lifecycle. Develop, maintain, and organize comprehensive certification documentation adhering to industry standards and internal quality requirements. Establish and nurture effective interpersonal and inter-departmental relationships to coordinate certification activities efficiently. Analyse and interpret complex regulatory frameworks to provide well-informed guidance to design and engineering teams. Maintain strong collaborative ties with certification authorities, such as ARAI, iCAT, GARC, VRDE, VCA, IDIADA, and TUV, ensuring smooth certification workflow. Responsible for preparing budgets, timelines, and resource estimations related to certification projects to ensure timely and cost-efficient delivery. Evaluate the implications of design modifications on certification requirements at both system and vehicle levels, providing actionable insights to relevant teams. Oversee and coordinate certification testing activities on-site at various test authorities, ensuring adherence to testing protocols and timelines. Effectively plan certification tasks aligned with overall program schedules, mitigating risks associated with certification delays. Continuously monitor emerging regulations and standards, anticipating impacts on product certification and advising the development teams accordingly. Collaborate with testing agencies to meticulously plan and schedule testing activities to guarantee seamless execution. Supervise development, pre-homologation, and certification activities in-person at testing facilities, ensuring compliance and quality are upheld. Manage and execute Conformity of Production (CoP) certification activities to sustain product standards post-certification. Experience Minimum of 5 to 7 years of extensive experience in vehicle homologation and certification, particularly within the automotive or last-mile mobility sectors. Proven expertise working with certification authorities and understanding the intricacies of regulatory frameworks such as AIS, IS, ECE, and EEC standards. Demonstrable experience in managing end-to-end certification projects, from interpretation of regulations to successful project completion and compliance assurance. Capacity to coordinate with cross-functional departments including engineering, quality, and compliance teams to meet certification objectives. Hands-on exposure to certification testing processes, project planning, budgeting, and relationship management with test agencies and regulatory bodies. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex regulatory challenges to ensure uninterrupted product development cycles. Industry Preferred Preferred experience in the automotive industry, specifically focusing on Electric Vehicles and traditional Combustion Engine vehicles. Background in last-mile mobility, commercial vehicles, or cargo carriers aligns well with the requirements of this role. Experience working with government certification bodies and compliance testing agencies such as ARAI, iCAT, GARC, VRDE, VCA, IDIADA, and TUV is highly desirable. Exposure to international automotive certification standards and global regulatory practices will be advantageous. Participation in vehicle development projects that comply with new and evolving regulations will strengthen candidate suitability. Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automobile Engineering from an accredited institution. Educational foundation should encompass vehicle dynamics, automotive systems, and engineering principles relevant to vehicle certification. Additional certifications in automotive compliance, regulatory affairs, or quality management will be considered a plus. Proficiency with regulatory frameworks and ability to interpret technical standards and documentation with precision. Strong communication skills to effectively liaise with internal teams and external regulatory agencies. General Requirements Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, capable of handling multiple certification projects simultaneously. Flexibility to travel occasionally for in-person audits and certification activities, although frequent travel is not required. Proficient in the use of standard office software and certification management tools. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Excellent verbal and written communication skills suitable for preparing technical documentation and interacting with regulatory bodies. Consistent commitment to professional ethics, quality, and compliance standards.