We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Solar Supply Chain Officer
Location: Lagos
Job type: Full-time
About the Role
- The Solar Supply Chain Officer will be responsible for managing the end-to-end supply chain operations within the solar energy sector, with a focus on strategic negotiations with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partners and overseeing quality control.
- The role involves supplier relationship management, procurement, logistics coordination, and ensuring compliance with quality standards.
- The ideal candidate will possess deep industry knowledge, excellent negotiation skills, and a commitment to ensuring optimal product quality.
- The role will be office-based with occasional travel to supplier sites and manufacturing facilities.
- There’s a required flexibility to travel internationally as required to meet with OEM partners and oversee quality control operations as well.
Responsibilities
Market Analysis and OEM Identification:
- Conduct in-depth research to identify the most popular solar component brands (panels, inverters, batteries, etc.) used by various solar energy providers.
- Build and maintain a database of solar energy providers, highlighting the brands and OEMs they use.
- Analyze industry trends, quality, cost-effectiveness, and performance of solar components to recommend the best OEMs for strategic partnerships.
- Prepare reports and presentations summarizing research findings and providing insights on which OEMs offer the most value.
- Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as supplier performance, pricing / cost savings, lead times, and quality metrics.
- Provide regular reports on supply chain performance, identifying areas for improvement and cost-saving opportunities.
Supplier Management & Strategic Negotiations:
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with OEM partners and key suppliers in the solar energy sector.
- Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing agreements to secure favorable deals while ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Lead supplier performance evaluations and implement continuous improvement strategies.
- Monitor and mitigate supply chain risks related to price volatility, supply disruptions, and quality issues.
- Procurement of Solar PV Components:
- Lead the procurement process for solar components, including negotiation with OEMs and vendors to secure favorable pricing and terms.
- Manage relationships with OEMs to ensure a high-quality, cost-efficient, and reliable supply of solar components.
- Collaborate with engineering, project management, and finance teams to understand project requirements and ensure timely procurement of necessary components.
- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with vendors to prevent supply shortages and overstocking.
- Conduct market research to identify alternative suppliers and new technologies in the solar industry.
- Establish procurement strategies aligned with long-term business goals, sustainability, and cost reduction targets.
Quality Control & Compliance:
- Implement quality control protocols to ensure that all solar components and materials meet industry standards and specifications.
- Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to conduct regular inspections and audits of OEM and supplier facilities.
- Address any non-conformance issues, leading root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
- Ensure that all products comply with international standards and certifications (e.g., IEC, UL, TUV).
Logistics and Supply Chain Control:
- Oversee the logistics and transportation of solar components from OEMs to project sites or warehouses.
- Coordinate with logistics providers to ensure timely delivery of materials, minimizing delays and optimizing transportation costs.
- Track shipments and maintain accurate records of delivery schedules and compliance with local regulations.
- Address any logistics-related issues, including delays, damaged goods, or discrepancies in orders, to ensure smooth operations.
- Manage inventory levels, ensuring the availability of necessary materials while minimizing excess stock and obsolescence.
- Work closely with logistics providers and internal teams to resolve supply chain bottlenecks.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate with engineering, product development, and sales teams to ensure alignment on product specifications and project timelines.
- Coordinate with legal and finance teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, contract obligations, and budget constraints.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Renewable Energy, Engineering, or related fields.
- 5+ years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, or logistics, preferably within the solar or renewable energy industry.
- Familiarity with key solar component brands and OEMs.
- Knowledge of solar project development and installation processes.
- Experience managing large-scale procurement and logistics operations.
- Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
- Certification in supply chain management (e.g., APICS, ISM).
- Experience working with international suppliers and navigating global trade regulations.
Soft and Technical Skills:
- Experience in procurement, supply chain management, or logistics, ideally within the solar or renewable energy industry.
- Proven experience in negotiating contracts and building long-term relationships with OEMs and suppliers.
- Strong understanding of solar PV systems, components, and manufacturers.
- Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with proficiency in data analysis and research tools.
- Experience with logistics coordination, including knowledge of international shipping, customs, and transportation.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with teams such as engineering, finance, and project management.
- Proficiency in procurement software, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint), and supply chain management tools.