Executive Director, Institute of Manufacturing and Economy

The Executive Director of the Institute of Manufacturing and Economy at Ahmedabad University will lead the establishment of a recognized center for manufacturing and economic research. Responsibilities include strategic leadership, institution building, industry engagement, and financial management. The candidate should have an advanced degree and over 18 years of relevant leadership experience in manufacturing, consulting, or policy institutions. The position is based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
About the Institute The Institute of Manufacturing and Economy (IME) at Ahmedabad University is envisioned as a premier interdisciplinary center advancing research, policy, innovation, and industry engagement at the intersection of manufacturing, technology, sustainability, and economic development. IME aims to serve as a bridge between academia, industry, and government—driving thought leadership and actionable solutions for India’s evolving manufacturing ecosystem.


Position Summary The Executive Director will be a builder-leader responsible for establishing IME as a nationally and internationally recognised centre of excellence. This role requires a corporate-style executive with strong strategic, financial, and operational capabilities who can build a sustainable institution with measurable impact. Reporting to the University leadership, the Executive Director will build and scale the Institute’s research portfolio, industry partnerships, policy engagement, and executive education initiatives, ensuring academic rigour alongside real-world impact.


Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Vision - Define and execute a 5–10-year strategic roadmap aligned with the University’s mission.


Position IME as a leading voice in manufacturing innovation, industrial policy, and economic transformation.Build around emerging opportunities in manufacturing in India, e.g., Industry 4.0, sustainability, supply chains, industrial policy, and digital manufacturing, including automation.
Institution
Building & Governance - Establish governance structures, advisory boards, and performance frameworks.


Support high-calibre faculty, researchers, and program leaders.Foster an interdisciplinary culture across engineering, management, economics, and public policy. Industry & Policy Engagement - Build strategic partnerships with corporations, MSMEs, industry bodies, and government agencies.Lead sponsored research, consulting, and collaborative innovation initiatives.Represent IME in national and global forums. Research & Academic Excellence - Promote high-impact research, publications, and policy papers.Develop executive education, certification programs, and industry-focused learning modules.Enable translational research and commercialisation pathways. Financial & Operational Management - Drive financial sustainability through grants, philanthropy, endowments, and industry revenue.Oversee budgeting, compliance, and operational efficiency.Build a scalable organisational structure. Brand & Market Development - Develop the Institute’s brand as a thought leader in manufacturing and economic policy.Drive publications, flagship reports, conferences, and industry roundtables.Build strong media and ecosystem visibility.
Candidate Profile
Education - Advanced degree (PhD, MBA, or equivalent) in engineering, management, economics, public policy, or related fields.


Experience - 18+ years of progressive leadership experience in:


Manufacturing or industrial sectorsConsulting or advisory firmsResearch or policy institutionsInstitution-building rolesDemonstrated P&L or business-unit leadership experience preferred.Track record of scaling organisations, raising funds, and building partnerships. The ideal candidate has worked in the manufacturing industry, understands innovation, engages with industrial policy and has a relevant advanced degree. Should be able to work equally well with academia and industry.
Key Performance
Indicators (First 3–5 Years) - Establishment of flagship research centres and funded projects.


Strong industry and government partnerships.Recognition as a thought leader in manufacturing and economic policy.Financial sustainability and diversified revenue streams.Measurable impact on manufacturing innovation and policy discourse. Why Join IME at Ahmedabad University?Opportunity to build a nationally significant institution from the ground up.Access to a vibrant interdisciplinary academic ecosystem.Strategic location in Gujarat—one of India’s leading manufacturing hubs.A platform to influence India’s industrial and economic transformation.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, a 250-word statement of vision for the Institute of Manufacturing and Economy, and details of three references to the Search Committee at Ahmedabad University to careers@ahduni.edu.in