A unique program
The GMLP is not a vacancy driven initiative but a proactive HR exercise aimed towards creating and grooming leaders. "We proactively seek manufacturing professionals and provide them with the learning and growth opportunities which are industry agnostic. The GMLP is a premium and exclusive leadership program of our Group. It accelerates the development of talented middle and senior manufacturing professionals as global leaders to take on challenging roles at our plants spread across the globe," says Shashikant.
The Group's vision here is to shape manufacturing leaders of tomorrow through exposure to world-class technologies and processes, state-of-the-art research and development facilities, continuous learning and development opportunities. The program offers a platform for high-performing, ambitious and passionate manufacturing professionals, who enjoy working in a challenging but supportive environment.
"Selected candidates enhance their leadership and functional skills, get exposure to key Group processes. They are given opportunities to work in cross-functional areas besides their current area of expertise. They gain immense expertise through their engagement in our key sectors," explains Shashikant. After this process, they emerge successful, joining the league of leaders at the Aditya Birla Group in roles across geographies in 36 countries. "Of the five GMLP candidates recruited in 2011, three of them have already taken on their next leadership role as independent unit heads, one in China and two in India," he shares.
The idea and the process
The thought process behind identifying the mid-career candidates is that they would bring in a fresh perspective having worked with different organisations and locations.
The GMLP attracts qualified engineers in the manufacturing industry with 10 years to 20 years of experience in various sectors. The process is customised for identifying and selecting exceptionally talented manufacturing professionals who have worked in the plants and on the shop floor and clearly display leadership potential. "A rigorous selection process has been put in place, spanning over four months and six levels of assessment involving senior leadership of the Group. It consists of Business Directors, CEOs, Technical Heads and Chief Peoples Officers, who help us to handpick the best."
Global exposure
The candidates selected through GMLP undergo an extensive on-boarding, mentoring, transition and development process before being provided leadership opportunities in line with their skills and experience. "Selected candidates can look forward to enhance their leadership and functional skills, gain exposure to key processes of manufacturing, research, product development, project management and operations, etc., through challenging assignments."
They are given cross-sectoral exposures at both Indian and global manufacturing locations of the Group in different functions. "Open to manufacturing professionals irrespective of their technical specialisation, GMLP will develop the selected candidates to take on leadership roles in manufacturing in diverse businesses and geographies," Shashikant adds.
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