Head - Supply Chain - Li-ion Batteries Segment - Startup (10-15 yrs)

Head of Supply Chain - Li-ion batteries - Startup

What You Will Do:

New Product Development:

- Lead the ideation, design, and development of new products like Li-Ion batteries, Chargers, Swap Stations etc. ensuring alignment with technical specifications and operational needs.

- Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions tailored to market trends and business goals.

- Establish and refine testing protocols to ensure the scalability and reliability of new product offerings.

- Drive continuous improvement through research and development of battery technology and swapping solutions.

- Stay ahead of market trends, technological advancements, and competitor offerings to position Battery Smart as a leader in the EV space.

Logistics & Supply Chain Management:

- Design and implement robust logistics strategies to ensure the seamless movement of batteries across the network.

- Optimize supply chain processes to achieve cost efficiencies, reduce lead times, and enhance operational reliability.

- Partner with the operations team to design efficient workflows for logistics, procurement, and reverse logistics, ensuring alignment with real-world execution.

- Leverage technology to improve forecasting, demand planning, and real-time tracking across the logistics network.

Procurement & Vendor Development:

- Strategic tie ups with Cell suppliers, battery manufacturers, BMS/IOT vendors in the domestic and international markets.

- Build and maintain strategic vendor partnerships for Li-Ion Batteries, CAN Chargers, Swap Stations etc., fostering trust and ensuring a steady supply of materials and components.

- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including environmental, geopolitical and economical factors.

- Contract negotiation, contract management and warranty management.

- Develop and execute comprehensive procurement strategies focused on cost efficiency, quality, and long-term partnerships.

- Negotiate with domestic and international suppliers to secure favorable terms while ensuring the timely availability of components and materials.

- Monitor supplier performance and implement risk mitigation strategies to address potential disruptions.

- BOM benchmarking/Optimization for high value SKUs like Battery, Charger, Swap stations.

- Collaborate with the finance team to align procurement strategies with budgetary goals and cost-saving initiatives, while ensuring accurate reporting and vendor payment cycles.

Quality Assurance & Service Coordination:

- Establish and oversee stringent quality control frameworks to ensure the performance, safety, and reliability of assets.

- Define KPIs for quality checks, performance testing, and defect resolution in collaboration with OEMs.

- Work closely with OEMs to streamline battery service processes, ensuring compliance with standards and timelines.

- Maintain detailed records of quality audits and collaborate with cross-functional teams to address root causes of any issues.

What You Will Need:

- 10+ years of experience in product development, logistics, procurement, or quality assurance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

- Proven track record of driving innovation and operational excellence, preferably in the EV, energy, or manufacturing sectors.

- Strong knowledge of supply chain optimization, vendor management, and quality control frameworks.

- Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to manage cross-functional stakeholders.

- Technical expertise in battery technology or related fields is a strong advantage.

- Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

- Collaborative and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.

- Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain management, or a related field; an MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.