The automotive industry is transforming rapidly due to the use of electric cars, self-driving cars, and connected systems. With the growth in complexity, globalization, and project technology, positions like Technical Program Managers are crucial.
Suresh Sureddi, a top professional in his field, has worked as a Technical Program Manager for over 10 years. He has managed large-scale automotive programs and delivered successful programs. Sureddi worked as a software project manager at Wipro in 2010, handling infotainment and telematics projects for OEMs such as Ford, GM, Daimler, and others. This experience helped him understand the complexity of working with other stakeholders and tier-1 suppliers.
He was responsible for telematics programs at another leading automotive brand, particularly implementing systems like stolen vehicle tracking and remote vehicle interactions. These early experiences set the stage for his subsequent position directing programs of significant size across numerous countries and technical disciplines.
Sureddi also oversaw complex car audio amplifier projects for Ford vehicle programs. These projects included cross-functional teams from different geographic locations, such as India, China, Mexico, and Europe. As a team leader, supervising up to 60 people, he coordinated all hardware, software, mechanical, and validation functions to provide innovative car audio solutions for Ford SUVs, Pickup trucks, and premium cars. He supervised research and development projects of the size of a few million dollars and contributed to generating hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue.
Leading virtual teams has become a standard practice in the current world. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this trend by making cross-time zones and cross-cultural collaboration even more critical. These challenges are complex, especially for professionals working as seniors who are supposed to deliver on time. Microsoft Teams and Webex have been used in coordination in these virtual environments to enhance global coordination. Moreover, managing risks like the shortage of components during the pandemic became a critical issue that needed to be solved quickly. “As a senior program manager, I handled crucial programs, trained junior program managers, and addressed the component shortages during COVID-19”, he added.
As a distinguished expert, Sureddi has delivered automotive components and provided several benefits for his organization. For instance, he identified a risk of component shortage in one of the leading programs early enough to prevent a redesign effort that would have cost a fortune.
He also contributed to the academic field with his article, “The Role and Challenges of Technical Program Management in Automotive Engineering”. It discusses how the automotive industry is transforming with advancements in connected cars, AI, autonomous driving, and cloud technologies, leading to software-defined vehicles. This shift presents challenges and opportunities for OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. The role of technical program managers is crucial for success, and this paper highlights their challenges and best practices during this transformation.
Looking ahead, Technical Program Managers will become even more significant in the automotive industry, which continues to develop, as industry enthusiasts like Suresh Sureddi suggested. Automated driving and electric cars, as well as other innovations, will continue to increase the level and complexity of program management. To be effective, TPMs need technical expertise, industry knowledge, leadership skills, and awareness of global impacts.
Those entering the field are advised to keep learning about evolving technologies and program management practices, be flexible, and foster good relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. These qualities will prove helpful in a constantly changing industry and will help promote the changes that will lead to success.