Karthikeyan Kathamuthu

Results-driven Product Technology Manager with 15+ years of automotive aftermarket expertise in product development, technology research, and OE/engineering documentation. Proven capability in researching emerging technologies, validating new product categories, managing supplier programs, and leading cross-functional launches. Deep proficiency in automotive electrical systems (rotating electrical, TPMS, brake electronics), ACES/PIES/TECDOC standards, and Master Data Management (MDM) platforms. Track record of building product specifications, conducting validation testing, and driving data governance initiatives for 400,000+ SKU portfolios across North America and global markets. Known for translating OE requirements into actionable product strategies and supplier technical specifications.

Core Competencies

Product & Technology Management
OE/Engineering Research & Technology Analysis | New Product Development & Category Expansion | Product Specification & Validation | Technology Roadmap Development | Design Verification & Product Validation (DVP&R)

Automotive Expertise
Rotating Electrical Systems | TPMS & Brake Electronics | High Voltage Electrical Systems | Automotive Standards (ACES, PIES, TECDOC, ISO 26262) | Aftermarket Catalog Management | OE Part Number Release Process

Data & Systems Management
Master Data Management (MDM) Platforms (JNP PartCAT, PDM, JNPONE) | Product Information Management (PIM) | ERP & Data Governance | Data Quality & Integrity | Catalog Consolidation & Migration | Digital Asset Management (DAM)

Program & Supplier Management
Supplier Technical Specifications & RFQ Development | Design Review Leadership (TDR) | PPAP & PSW Approvals | Engineering Change Management (WERS) | Supplier Quality Assessment | Launch Management & Timeline Control

Cross-Functional Leadership
Stakeholder Communication & Presentation | Data-Driven Decision Making | Process Improvement (Six Sigma Green Belt) | Team Leadership & Mentoring | Project & Program Management

Professional Experience

Global Catalogue Manager

First Brands Group | January 2024 – Present

Product Technology & Validation:

• Research and validate new product coverage gaps across brake, electrical repair, wipers, towing, and accessories categories; identify emerging OE product changes and engineering updates for 400,000+ SKU portfolio
• Define product specifications and validation protocols for new SKU development; manage pilot validation and quality testing cycles for parts introduction
• Oversee fitment data accuracy per ACES (Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard) and validate OE/aftermarket compatibility across all vehicle platforms
• Partner with engineering teams to assess supplier technical specifications and ensure OE compliance in product development

OE & Technology Research:

• Monitor OE engineering announcements and market trends; document technology shifts (electrical, electronics, brake systems) impacting aftermarket product portfolio
• Support supplier identification and RFQ specification development for new product categories and emerging technologies
• Assist in establishing validation protocols for new categories; coordinate supplier testing (bench-level, assembly-level, in-vehicle validation)

Data Governance & Systems:

• Lead catalogue data migration across MDM systems (JNP PartCAT, PDM, Hitch Pro → JNPONE); ensure data integrity and compliance during transitions
• Implement master data governance framework; establish data quality controls and ownership accountability across multi-brand consolidation
• Manage product attribute data (PIES standard) and fitment compliance; conduct data audits and remediation for catalog accuracy
• Leverage PIM and DAM systems for product data structure optimization and timely delivery of new coverage

Program & Launch Management:

• Lead catalogue consolidation across multiple brands; coordinate engineering validation and testing for brand integration
• Act as primary interface between Sales, Product Management, Engineering, and IT for new product introduction and coverage expansion
• Develop performance metrics (catalog integrity, research cycle time, gap-filling rates); drive process improvement for on-time data delivery
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (TECDOC, ACES, PIES); support customer audits and technical reviews

Results:
Maintained 400,000+ SKU North America catalog with 99%+ data accuracy; accelerated new category research cycle by 35% through process standardization; identified and developed 40+ new SKU opportunities through systematic OE research and market gap analysis.

Deputy Manager – Product Development

Ford Motor Company | August 2011 – December 2023 | 13 years

OE Engineering & Technical Expertise:

• Defined, documented, and maintained technical requirements for Rotating Electrical, TPMS, and Brake components in Ford Engineering Design Environment (FEDE); ensured all specifications aligned with OE validation standards
• Created and maintained Engineering Specifications (ES); developed Design Verification and Product Validation (DVP&R) plans for component and module releases
• Conducted Technical Design Reviews (TDRs) with suppliers; evaluated design proposals against Ford standards (ISO 26262, UL, SAE, IEC)
• Analyzed program documentation and component specifications to ensure engineering requirements flowed into RFQ and procurement processes

New Product Development & Technology Research:

• Led design, development, and validation electrical systems for emerging vehicle platforms; assessed emerging technology impacts on component design
• Applied Robustness Engineering disciplines (Quality History & FMEA) to validate new product designs and drive technology maturity
• Developed test plans and validation protocols; executed bench-level, assembly-level, and in-vehicle testing for electrical systems and HV components
• Participated in supplier RFQ development and technical specification refinement; ensured supplier capabilities aligned with OE innovation requirements

Supplier Quality & Program Management:

• Managed supplier relationships for electrical and brake components; assessed supplier technical capability and quality performance against Ford standards
• Guided Supplier Technical Assistance Team on PPAP levels, PSW approvals, and supplier audits; reviewed and approved tier-1 bench/assembly/in-vehicle test results
• Managed Engineering Change Requests (WERS Notice) and Non-Policy Obsolescence (NPO); coordinated Change Control Meetings and part number releases
• Supported supplier program launches; ensured on-time delivery of parts, quality compliance, and adherence to engineering specifications

Product & Catalog Management:

• Updated product attributes and fitment information in Ford cataloging systems; ensured OE part number accuracy and technical documentation completeness
• Provided engineering guidance to Product Category Management projects; ensured all OE requirements were met in production and service parts offerings
• Supported cost optimization initiatives (Total Value Management, SPW reduction, complexity reduction); drove material cost savings without compromising quality

Data-Driven Engineering:

• Analyzed and validated test data; implemented design improvements based on validation results and supplier feedback
• Tracked program milestones, quality metrics, and supplier performance; presented status updates and risk mitigation strategies to senior leadership
• Complied with GPDS deliverables for each development milestone; submitted invention disclosures and process improvement recommendations

Results:
Drove successful launch of 10+ electrical component platforms for OE programs; reduced supplier quality issues by 40% through enhanced validation protocols; contributed $2M+ in cost savings through design optimization and complexity reduction initiatives.

Procurement Engineer

Igarashi Motors India Limited | June 2009 – May 2010

• Identified, qualified, and developed suppliers for technical materials and components; negotiated contracts and assessed supplier capacity, quality, and reliability
• Reviewed engineering drawings and specifications; ensured all purchased materials aligned with project and production requirements
• Managed supplier sourcing, delivery schedules, on-time performance tracking, and issue resolution
• Drove cost reduction initiatives and optimized procurement costs; maintained compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (REACH, RoHS, IMDS)
• Collaborated with engineering, production, and logistics teams for seamless procurement and inventory control

Education & Certifications

Master of Science in Psychology
Madras University, Chennai | 2013–2015

MBA in General Management
College of Engineering, Chennai| 2011–2013

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
Anna University, Chennai | 2005–2009

Professional Certifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt (Process Improvement & Data-Driven Decision Making)
• Diploma in Parts Supply and Logistics (Confederation of Indian Industry)
• Diploma in Integrated Logistics (Deakin University, Australia)