Logistics and Procurement Manager at Zola Electric

About the Job

• We are looking for a Logistics and Procurement Manager to create, manage, and implement the Group logistics, manufacturing/supply chain strategy and support Engineering and Sales execution. 
• Liaise with shipping agents for the flawless and timely execution of shipments needed for customers.
• Coordinate with Sales teams and shipping agent network to provide all quote information needed to propose and execute sales.
• Coordinate all documentation required for all global shipments.
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure supplier payment in time for shipment execution.
• Oversee inventory forecasting across Engineering and Sales (both B2B and traditional vertically integrated sales); use the forecasts created to guide supplier production levels.
• Create / execute strategy for supplier production and stocking levels of all warehouses.
• Oversee inventory in all Group-operated warehouses, and have stock levels ready to serve customers at the customer service levels defined.
• Manage / coordinate the counting and protection of all inventory in Group-managed warehouses. 

Position

• The Logistics and Procurement Manager will report into the VP of Manufacturing and Supply Chain and be based in our Nigeria office.

Strategic Collaboration:

• Participate in strategic meetings to contribute to the development of the 3 to 5-year Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Manufacturing Strategy and Business Plan
• Develop and manage the implementation of policies, procedures, systems and controls for effective manufacturing and logistics operations
• Establish and maintain appropriate performance metrics to track and manage performance, safety, quality and cost.

Logistics Management:

• Manage the intake of logistics requests from constituents across the business, including Engineering, Business Development, and vertically integrated OpCos
• Create freight cost quotes across multiple locations in coordination with freight agent network
• Create all preliminary and final shipping documents, coordinating with the warehouse network, Finance, Business development, and other departments as needed
• Coordinate with Zola shipping agent network to execute all shipments required for all business stakeholders in a timely manner
• Coordinate directly with customer shipping agents to create or correct documentation
• Coordinate the set up of distribution clients with all resources needed to conduct shipping (PVOC registration, agent contacts, etc.)
• Avoid all unnecessary fees for the import / export of inventory
• Manage the proper clearing of products at international ports, where necessary
• Optimize transportation mode usage and resultant costs
• Maintain all Group Courier (DHL / UPS / FedEx) accounts in coordination with Finance
• Maintain PVOC registrations for all Group shipment locations

Forecasting and Supplier Inventory Management:

• Coordinate and maintain a current forecast for all inventory based on current usage forecasts from all sources (engineering / Business development / VI markets)
• Where necessary to pre-purchase materials or manage supply, provide necessary forecasts to suppliers for products in their purview
• Manage the inventory that strategic suppliers have purchased on behalf of Zola
• Manage inventory that Zola has in consignment with all suppliers
• Align with leadership on need for future orders and create POs that are necessary to maintain inventory required for operations

Contract Manufacturing Coordination:

• Serve as primary point of contact for our contract manufacturer(s)
• Understand and communicate on build scheduling to all relevant executive stakeholders
• Coordinate with the contract manufacturer on inventory levels being held on behalf of Zola
• Release forecasts to the contract manufacturer, as necessary
• Coordinate between engineering and the contract manufacturer where production parts EOL and need to be requalified

Warehouse and Kitting Management:

• Determine the optimal number, size and location(s) of facilities such as distribution centers, cross docks, etc. (i.e. Network layout and Management)
• Evaluate, select, and negotiate terms and conditions with warehouse providers
• Ensure the security of product throughout the warehouse network
• Manage the accuracy of inventory listed in the ERP systems for Group warehouses (NetSuite)
• Promote and manage best practices for warehousing for Group warehouses
• Provide input on warehousing and distribution strategy for future business models

Procurement Management:

• Ensure the security of product throughout the warehouse network
• Develop the Group annual and monthly procurement framework that will be used to effectively plan for the procurement of goods and services with a focus on: Timely delivery of goods and services, obtaining the best value for money, utilizing buying power leverage
• Identify deviations and make recommendations to address supplier price or term deviations through consultation with the relevant parties
• Create and maintain procurement documentation for Group in consultation with Finance and Controls
• Advise internal customers on the appropriate procurement process to be followed
• Lead the tender process in adherence to the Group Procurement Policy
• Manage vendor relationships, including supplier performance to SLA and billing to contract
• Establish and maintain preferred vendors and negotiated rates for all high volume and high-value products in all markets

Budget Monitoring:

• Input into the development of the annual budgets based on operational and financial targets
• Monitor the operating budget to ensure expenditure is aligned to budget allocations
• Address budget variances to clarify over or under-spend
• Authorize expenses as per delegation of authority
• Create, maintain, and implement inventory financial control mechanisms incoordination with Group Finance

Stakeholder Management:

• Participate in regular cross-functional meetings and monthly performance meetings to discuss departmental performance and to highlight matters of concern
• Manage relationships with logistics service providers
• Coordinate with other departments internally as needed to achieve job activities
• Communicate to internal and external stakeholders in an effective and aligned manner

People Management:

• Manage the recruitment of own team in collaboration with Human Capital Department
• Manage the performance of direct reports, ensuring agreement of annual goals, measuring performance against agreed goals and dealing with areas of non-performance
• Manage the development of staff to ensure the team receive adequate and relevant training to support career development
• Input into the development of succession plans for the supply chain functions.
• Lead, coach, and mentor direct reports and the team to foster personal growth and teamwork
• Always manage the administration of documentation to ensure availability and ease of retrieval

Minimum Requirements

• B.Sc Degree in Business Administration or Industrial, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• Experience defining and driving a manufacturing strategy (including metric definition and alternative testing methodologies)
• Experience with outsourced manufacturing, supplier qualification and quality engineering mix, low volume products
• Proficient in managing a global supply chain with expertise in low cost geographies, specifically in Africa
• Experience in procurement and vendor relationship management

Managerial and Technical Competencies:

• Relationship management skills
• Extensive analytical skills (to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions)
• Experience with data-driven management, KPI development and implementation
• Basic technical knowledge of solar modules, batteries, energy storage, consumer electronics and LEDs
• Experience in implementing Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality systems
• Financial modelling and budget management skills

Generic Competencies:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Planning & organizing skills
• Time management skills
• Customer-focused
• Quality focused
• Multi-tasking
• Team Player

Working Conditions

• Required to travel globally
• Willing to work extended hours.