Manufacturing AI talent is drawing interest from Indian companies seeking leaders who can apply artificial intelligence across factories, products and supply chains. Honeywell Technologies India, RPG Group and ITC are among the companies building such capabilities.

Key Takeaways

  • Employers are looking for AI expertise alongside knowledge of plant operations and industrial processes.
  • RPG Group says its digital talent base grew 20% over the past two years.
  • Annual compensation at larger groups can reach ₹7–8 crore before retention or long-term incentives, an executive search firm says.

Manufacturing AI talent sought for operational roles

Companies want leaders who understand machine learning, generative AI, data architecture and automation as well as manufacturing processes, according to executive search firms. The roles cover predictive maintenance, computer vision, robotics, quality control, supply chains and energy optimisation.

Agamjeet Dang, CEO of Executive Access India, said hiring activity has increased in automotive, auto components and textiles. He also identified demand for AI and digital leadership across diversified industrial groups, chemicals, agri-inputs, pharmaceuticals, tyres and consumer manufacturing.

Employers are considering whether to appoint dedicated group-level AI chiefs or give the responsibility to chief information officers, chief digital officers or transformation heads.

RPG and Honeywell outline hiring needs

RPG Group is looking for people who combine AI, data science and digital expertise with knowledge of manufacturing, quality systems, supply chains and industrial automation. Amol Deshpande, the group’s head of digital and innovation, said its digital talent base grew 20% over the past two years.

Honeywell Technologies India is hiring in AI and machine-learning architecture, generative and agentic AI, data engineering and data science. Its required skills include Python, Spark, machine learning operations, large language model operations and model governance.

Overseas recruitment and executive pay

Companies are also searching overseas, with stronger interest in Indian-origin executives than in traditional foreign expatriates, Dang said. He identified the US as the leading recruitment market, followed by the UK and Europe.

At larger groups, annual compensation can reach ₹7–8 crore before retention or long-term incentives, Dang said.

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