The Program Manager – Operations will be responsible for building, running, and scaling the operational backbone of IITM CDOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation. This role is central to ensuring that multi-institutional programs under the National Quantum Mission and allied deep-tech initiatives are executed with rigor, compliance, predictability, and speed.

The role requires a strong blend of operational discipline, program governance, financial and administrative coordination, and stakeholder management across academia, government, startups, and industry partners.

Program & Operations Management

Own end-to-end operational execution of Foundation programs, including hubs, projects, startup engagements, and collaborative initiatives.

Translate Governing Board and CEO-level decisions into executable operational plans with timelines, milestones, and accountability.

Track program progress across multiple workstreams; identify risks, bottlenecks, and corrective actions.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

Ensure adherence to DST, MeitY, NQM, and other government guidelines, grant conditions, and compliance frameworks.

Coordinate statutory, audit, utilization certificate (UC), and milestone-based reporting requirements.

Maintain strong documentation practices for approvals, MoUs, contracts, and program records.

Financial & Administrative Coordination

Work closely with finance teams to manage budgets, fund flows, disbursements, and expense tracking.

Support grant management, startup funding disbursements, and vendor payments in line with approved policies.

Assist in procurement coordination, asset tracking, and infrastructure utilization.

Stakeholder & Ecosystem Coordination

Act as the operational interface between IIT Madras, C-DOT, government bodies, startups, vendors, and partners.

Coordinate meetings of Governing Boards, Technical Committees, and Review Panels.

Support industry visits, delegations, reviews, and audits.

Process Design & Institutionalization

Design and institutionalize SOPs, playbooks, and process frameworks for repeatable execution.

Build scalable operational systems aligned with long-term institutional sustainability.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Management, Public Policy, or related fields.

8–12 years of experience in program management, operations, or institutional roles within academia, government, or deep-tech ecosystems.

Strong familiarity with government-funded programs, grants, or mission-mode initiatives.

Desired Skills & Attributes

Exceptional organizational and execution skills with attention to detail.

Strong written and verbal communication for formal reporting and stakeholder interaction.

Ability to operate in ambiguity and manage multiple parallel initiatives.

High integrity, ownership mindset, and comfort with structured governance environments.

Reporting & Interface

Reports to: CEO, IITM CDOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation

Works closely with: Program Directors, Finance, Legal, IITM faculty, C-DOT teams, startups, and government stakeholders.

These roles are mission-critical positions supporting India’s national deep-tech and quantum technology ecosystem through IITM CDOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation.