Work Mode: WFO
Experience: 10–15 years (preferably in manufacturing oriented vocational programs)
Employment Type: Full Time with Pearltri Foundation
Role Overview
Pearltri Foundation, CSR wing of Aspire Systems, is seeking a strategic and result oriented leader to lead and strengthen its Skill Development initiatives. The Principal – Skill Development Program will provide strategic and operational leadership in establishing, managing, and scaling vocational training centres focusing on manufacturing and industry-oriented skilling, ensuring high-quality training delivery, strong industry partnerships, sustainable placement outcomes, and long-term program impact.
The role requires deep expertise in skill development ecosystems, institution building, manufacturing oriented vocational education, industry engagement, and program excellence, with the ability to drive innovation and operational effectiveness across multiple training initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Program Development
- Lead the overall strategy, planning, and expansion of skill development initiatives
- Develop industry-integrated training models with strong emphasis on hands-on manufacturing experience, shop-floor exposure, and practical learning methodologies
- Design scalable and industry-aligned vocational training models
- Drive innovation in skilling approaches, curriculum alignment, and learner engagement
- Build long-term partnerships with government bodies, industries, academic institutions, and implementation partners
2. Centre Setup & Operational Excellence
- Lead end-to-end establishment of skill training centres, including infrastructure, compliance, systems, and staffing
- Ensure smooth functioning of centres through strong operational governance and monitoring mechanisms
- Develop SOPs, operational frameworks, and quality standards for efficient centre management
- Oversee budgets, resource utilization, and operational sustainability
3. Training Quality & Academic Oversight
- Ensure effective implementation of vocational training programs across manufacturing trades and technical domains
- Align training delivery with industry standards, NSDC frameworks, Sector Skill Council requirements, and global best practices including the German Dual System
- Establish robust trainer development and performance management systems
- Ensure continuous improvement in curriculum delivery, assessments, and learner outcomes
4. Student Mobilization & Community Engagement
- Provide strategic direction for student outreach, mobilization, and enrolment initiatives
- Strengthen community engagement through partnerships with NGOs, educational institutions, local bodies, and community stakeholders
- Promote inclusive participation from underserved and rural communities
5. Industry Partnerships & Placement
- Build and strengthen industry partnerships for internships, apprenticeships, and placements
- Ensure strong placement outcomes and post-placement retention tracking
- Identify emerging industry trends and workforce requirements to align training programs with market demand
- Collaborate with employers to create sustainable career pathways for students
6. Compliance, Monitoring & Reporting
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks, NSDC guidelines, and Sector Skill Council requirements
- Establish strong MIS, reporting, documentation, and review systems
- Lead audits, assessments, accreditations, and impact evaluation processes
- Present periodic program performance reports and strategic recommendations to leadership
Key Requirements
- Proven experience in leading and scaling skill development or vocational training institutions/programs in manufacturing, engineering, or technical trades
- Strong expertise in training centre operations, mobilization, placements, and industry engagement
- Hands-on understanding of manufacturing ecosystems, shop-floor operations, technical training methodologies, and experiential learning approaches
- Deep understanding of the NSDC ecosystem, Sector Skill Councils, apprenticeship models, and German Dual System
- Experience in establishing industry-integrated training infrastructure including workshops, labs, and practical learning environments
- Demonstrated leadership in managing large-scale training operations and multi-stakeholder partnerships
- Strong strategic thinking, people leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to drive impact-oriented programs with measurable outcomes
- Passion for social impact and workforce development
What We Offer
- Opportunity to lead transformative skill development initiatives with meaningful social impact
- Senior leadership role in a growing and purpose-driven foundation
- Collaborative work environment focused on innovation, inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods
- Opportunity to shape career pathways for underserved youth and communities