Description

As a program manager in the Indian Air Force, I spent five years in a nationally significant program to enhance an indigenised weapon delivery platform and to build-in long-term capability additions.

Collaborating with top Indian and international OEM teams, I drove advanced technology integration and global best practices—continually elevating people, processes, and platforms for future readiness.

I inducted and operationalized critical platforms for the IAF, fast-tracked multidomain projects, and consistently delivered results ahead of schedule, even in demanding, high-pressure settings. My approach—anchored in risk management, operational agility, and strategic foresight—ensured resilience and successful outcomes across diverse assignments.

In the early phase of my service, I led cross-functional teams, streamlined complex operations, and ensured on-time mission delivery in high-pressure environments.

Currently pursuing the Executive Programme in General Management at IIM Lucknow, I’m transitioning to the corporate sector, guided by the same principles of purpose, precision, and discipline. I believe leadership is about building clarity, trust, and driving progress.

Industry field of expertise

Languages

English
Native or bilingual
Hindi
Fluent
Tamil
Fluent
Telugu
Conversational

Workplace preferences

Can work on-site

Chennai (up to 50km)

Indian Air Force
Program Manager
AVIATION AND AEROSPACE
January 2024 - June 2025 (1 year and 5 months)
SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER (RISK MANAGEMENT & STAKEHOLDER COORDINATION) Jan 2024 – Jun 2025 | Kutch, Gujarat

• Hand-picked to manage risk and operations of the LCA-Tejas fleet in its initial phase, overseeing high-stakes missions in fast-paced environments. Negotiated risk controls and compliance frameworks with external vendors and OEMs during aircraft acceptance.

• Developed a comprehensive, future-ready risk management program for LCA Tejas aircraft fleet, ensuring effective implementation at user bases; acted as SPOC and Fleet Operations Expert to coordinate between design, testing, and operational teams for SOP formulation and validation.

• Directed project to design and implement an Operational Risk Management Portal for LCA Tejas, enhancing data visibility and accountability; pilot launched April 2025, operational deployment June 2025.

• Operationalized a tech-first, gadget-based automated process flow and control ERP solution to avoid human error and optimize resource utilization (operational Feb 2025).

• Conducted fleet-level quality audits and comprehensive reviews, providing detailed reports to BOs and CXOs; advised on risk aversion, crisis management and post-incident protocols. Streamlined audit procedures, reducing audit timelines by 30% and improving risk transparency.

• Designed internal control frameworks for risk identification and mitigation in aviation maintenance and operations, aligning with ISO 31000 & ISO 27001. Conducted 20+ risk assessments and control evaluations, sustaining regulatory compliance via corrective action plans.
Risk Management risk aversion program implementation Risk analysis stakeholder management
Indian Air Force
PROGRAM MANAGER (FLEET INDUCTION, OPERATIONALISATION & DEVELOPMENT)
January 2021 - December 2024 (3 years and 11 months)
PROGRAM MANAGER (FLEET INDUCTION, OPERATIONALISATION & DEVELOPMENT) Jan 2021 – Dec 2024 | Bangalore & Coimbatore

• Led ERP implementation (IMMOLS, e-MMS), optimizing integration of supply, finance, operations, and risk processes; improved data accuracy and workflow efficiency. Deployed cloud and simulator-based technical training to improve knowledge retention and productivity; trained teams on ERP solutions.

• Automated detachment preparation for fleet operations, cutting human intervention by 9% and planning gaps by 23%. Applied analytics to program operationalisation expenditure and fleet performance, driving cost efficiency and actionable business improvements.

• Applied Lean Six Sigma for process analysis, delivering enhanced efficiency, cost reduction, and performance improvements. Deployed gadget-based automated process flow apps for demand optimization (20% cost savings, 30% operational improvement).

• Initiated domain-specific problem-solving groups, reducing revenue budgets for brake downs by 17%. Led tech-driven continuous training, achieving a 25% reduction in deviations and boosting operational safety/efficiency.

• Submitted 14 system performance reviews, contributing to design/process updates; active in 14+ development review groups. Coordinated annual performance/stakeholder reviews, provided stop-gate executive summaries to CXOs. Coordinated local/foreign partner efforts to prevent implementation delays.

• Led crisis management and rapid recovery after July 2024 crisis, conducting root cause investigations.
Program level implementation Knowledge elevation for collective results in programs stakeholder management Project Management Operations and risk management
Indian Air Force
Program Manager
AVIATION AND AEROSPACE
January 2021 - December 2024 (3 years and 11 months)
PROGRAM MANAGER (FLEET INDUCTION, OPERATIONALISATION & DEVELOPMENT) Jan 2021 – Dec 2024 | Bangalore & Coimbatore

• Monitored 10+ project teams for induction of the LCA Tejas FOC fleet into IAF; developed and validated Qualitative User Checks, managed induction of 20+ aircraft and associated equipment worth Rs.6542 crores; engaged with 6+ Indian and foreign OEM teams; generated executive reports.

• Supervised project teams for facilities development (Rs.480 crores), ensuring timely operationalization of technical, administrative, and logistics centres; Led user audits and acceptance. Built an integrated supply chain for spares and consumables across multiple bases.

• Led cross-functional teams to operationalize LCA Tejas FOC fleet, developed operational documents/SOPs, maintenance procedures; collaborated with PSUs and private firms to resolve bottlenecks. Defined acceptance criteria and benchmarking for projects; conducted variance and trend analysis.

• As fleet operations specialist, led flying operations from domestic and international bases, participated in 10+ multinational Air Force exercises, and implemented global best practices.

• Product Owner collaborating with domestic and international OEMs (Israel, UK, US) on upgrade projects enhancing weapon delivery, safety, and efficiency; member of pioneering teams for platform modernization.

• Led problem-solving and new product development earning a cash award and executive citation; contributed to foreign exchange savings. Developed technical training for IAF technicians and supervisors, tailored programs for stakeholder requirements, and established quality assurance frameworks for fleet servicing.
Project Management stakeholder management Knowledge elevation for collective results in programs Program level implementation Operations and risk management