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Role Purpose: Lead end-to-end lithium battery materials strategy, including material development, localization, laboratory capability building, supplier ecosystem creation, and scale-up to enable high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable battery manufacturing.

• India-Focused Material Localization Strategy (Supplier Ecosystem)
• Strategic Ownership
• Own and execute India-focused material localization strategy aligned with: ACC Battery PLI Scheme, Make in India, Cost, supply security, and ESG targets
• Ensure localization milestones are mapped to PLI incentive eligibility timelines.
• Work closely with Procurement, Finance, Legal, and Project management teams to: Define localized value addition % for cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, and additives.
• Support PLI documentation, audits, and technical justifications.
• Track localization progress vs committed PLI milestones.
• Translate PLI guidelines into actionable material roadmaps.
• Supplier Qualification & Risk Management
• Lead APQP, PPAP, and proto/pilot cell validation for localized materials.
• Define sourcing strategies to reduce geopolitical and supply risks.
• Manage IP protection, NDA frameworks, and technology transfer safeguards.
• Materials Development & Qualification
• Lead development and qualification of cathode, anode, electrolyte, binder, and additive materials.
• Define material specifications, acceptance criteria, and validation protocols.
• Drive lab-scale formulation → pilot-scale → mass-production readiness.
• Material Localization Strategy & Supplier Ecosystem
• Define and execute material localization roadmap aligned with cost, supply security, and ESG goals.
• Identify local suppliers for active materials, precursors, solvents, binders, salts, and additives.
• Lead technology transfer from global suppliers to local partners.
• Support Make-in-India / localization programs including qualification timelines.
• Balance localization with performance, reliability, and IP protection.
• Work with procurement and Finance on localized BOM cost reduction and risk mitigation.
• Laboratory Development & Capability Building
• Establish and expand materials R&D and characterization laboratories.
• Define lab layout, equipment roadmap, and CAPEX planning.
• Build capabilities for: Powder synthesis & processing, Slurry formulation & electrode fabrication, Coin / pouch / cylindrical/ prismatic cell assembly, Electrochemical testing & failure analysis
• Ensure lab safety, SOPs, calibration, and compliance.
• Drive lab-to-factory knowledge transfer.
• Cell Performance, Reliability & Failure Analysis
• Link material properties to cell performance, safety, and lifetime.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA), FMEA, and degradation studies.
• Support improvements in energy density, cycle life, and fast charging.
• Manufacturing & Scale-Up Support
• Resolve material-related yield and quality issues in coating, calendering, formation, and aging.
• Support GWh-scale ramp-up and continuous improvement.
• Support material change management (ECNs).
• Technology Roadmap & Innovation
• Own materials technology roadmap (next-gen cathodes, high-silicon, solid-state, sodium-ion).
• Benchmark global leaders and emerging technologies.
• Lead patent filing and IP strategy
• Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Build and mentor high-performing materials teams.
• Work closely with Process, Cell Design, Quality, EHS, and Project management teams.
• Represent materials function in customer, partner, and management reviews.

• Education: BE/B.Tech – Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field
• Experience: 13+Yrs of overall experience, 5+Yrs in lithium battery materials and cell manufacturing
• Hands-on experience in lab setup, supplier localization, and scale-up