Lieutenant Colonel Shankar Das PMP
Strategic Program Director (Operations & Business Excellence)
Kalkaji South Delhi,National Capital Territory of Delhi
Summary
Strategic program leader with 21 years of experience delivering complex, high-impact technology and operations programs across defence and aerospace. Leads large-scale initiatives spanning advanced weapon systems, robotics, radar and MRO, integrating engineering, procurement, technology implementation and operational readiness to deliver measurable outcomes. Experienced in translating complex technical and operational data into actionable insights, driving performance improvement, resource optimization and KPI-led decision-making, while collaborating with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders. Currently provides governance for ₹3,200 Cr+ strategic defence programs, combining systems engineering, program management, business analytics and technology strategy to improve operational effectiveness and organizational performance. Experienced Project Manager with strong background in overseeing complex innovative projects and initiatives. Successfully led multifaceted teams to achieve project milestones and deliverables. Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning and resource management.
Overview
3
3
Languages
7
7
Certifications
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director Weapon Systems & MRO
DRDO
Chandipur Orissa
01.2025 - Current
- Ensured operational readiness of cutting-edge weapon systems and heavy vehicles to support national defense initiatives. Supervised proof and test firing operations for advanced weaponry from Israel, UK, and Russia, ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards. Led ATAGS and Pulsed Radar Project with a budget of 3200 Cr (INR), driving innovation in defense capabilities.
- Jan 2025 – Current
Additional Director of Operations & Procurement
Indian Army
Gujrat
08.2020 - 12.2024
- Developed comprehensive training infrastructure to enhance employee onboarding and skill development. Executed annual procurement of 30 crores via GeM, achieving cost efficiencies for large-scale government projects. Led performance engineering initiatives to refine plant maintenance strategies, improving reliability and reducing downtime.
- Aug 2020 – Dec 2024
Associate Director of Logistics & SCM
Indian Army
Sikkim
04.2018 - 07.2020
Led logistics and supply chain management for special rations, fuel, lubricants, and ammunition supporting 9,000 personnel in East Sikkim, at 18,000 feet. Streamlined inventory and resources to ensure timely last-mile delivery and enhance operational readiness under extreme mountainous conditions.
- Apr 2018 – Jul 2020
Joint Director Ops
Department of Defence Production, MoD
North East
01.2014 - 03.2018
- As AVP Operations for the Government of India, led engineering solutions for optimization of 200 Tanks & 3,000 vehicles. Managed teams to ensure due registration of factory plant machinery and coordinated procurement with major OEMs, including BEML, L&T, BEL, TASL, Kalyani (KSSL) and PSUs
- Jan 2014 – Mar 2018
Squadron Commander (Major)
National Security Guard (NSG)
Manesar , Gurugram
12.2010 - 12.2013
- Spearheaded security for diplomats during travel within India and abroad, prioritizing safety. Delivered 450 hours of international flight operations as Sky Marshal in the Elite Special Action Group
- Dec 2010 – Dec 2013
Junior Engineer (Captain)
Indian Army
Jammu & Kasmir
07.2006 - 11.2010
- Maintenance planning, performance monitoring, and logistics support for mechanized and armored units, ensuring availability and mission readiness of assets at various location in J&K (13 Kumaon Regt)
- Jul 2006 – Nov 2010
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Business Analytics
IIT Kanpur
Kanpur, India01-2025
MBA - Executive Program in General Management
XLRI Delhi-NCR
Delhi-NCR01-2024
Post Graduate Diploma - Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur
Jabalpur, India01-2017
Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering
JNTU Hyderabad
Hyderabad, India01-2006
Skills
Business analytics
Budget management and control
Data analysis
Rules and regulations compliance
Relationship building and stakeholder engagement
Contract and vendor management
Procurement management
Supply chain management
Operations management
Performance management
PMP certification
PMO governance
Affiliations
PMI membership
Certification
Project Management Professional (PMI- Above Target result in all domains)
Interests
Automation & Robotics, Reading & Running
Timeline
Program Director Weapon Systems & MRO
DRDO
01.2025 - Current
Additional Director of Operations & Procurement
Indian Army
08.2020 - 12.2024
Associate Director of Logistics & SCM
Indian Army
04.2018 - 07.2020
Joint Director Ops
Department of Defence Production, MoD
01.2014 - 03.2018
Squadron Commander (Major)
National Security Guard (NSG)
12.2010 - 12.2013
Junior Engineer (Captain)
Indian Army
07.2006 - 11.2010
Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering
JNTU Hyderabad
Post Graduate Diploma - Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur
Associate of Applied Science - Business Analytics
IIT Kanpur
MBA - Executive Program in General Management
XLRI Delhi-NCR
Accomplishments/Awards
Awarded GOC-in-C Commendation Once for operational logistics in Doklam (Sikkim) during India-China standoff (2017)., Second time for spearheading a project of establishing a 25-bedded Palliative Care Centre “SPARSH” at MH Barrackpore, West Bengal (2019)