Senior Supply Chain Specialist

Lead – Supply Chain Management (BESS Manufacturing)

Location: Valsad (Manufacturing Plant)

Experience: 12–18 years (minimum 7–8 years in battery, EV, power electronics, or energy storage manufacturing)

Reporting to: BU Head - BESS

Role Objective

Lead the end-to-end supply chain for BESS manufacturing, with initial China-centric sourcing of critical components followed by a structured localization to Indian suppliers, ensuring uninterrupted production, competitive $/kWh costs, quality compliance, scalable operations and strategic partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manufacturing Supply Chain Strategy

• Build and own the cell-to-pack-to-container supply chain for BESS manufacturing.
• Define sourcing strategy for:
• Battery cells (LFP/NMC)
• BMS, racks, busbars, contactors
• PCS (if within manufacturing scope)
• Containers, HVAC, fire detection & suppression
• Electrical BOS and auxiliaries
• Establish China-first sourcing model during early scale-up, with clear dual-sourcing and localization roadmap.

2. China Sourcing & Global Supplier Management

• Manage relationships with Tier-1 Chinese OEMs for cells and key BESS components.
• Lead price negotiations, index-linked contracts, MOQs, and delivery schedules.
• Handle long lead times, export documentation, DG shipping requirements, and logistics coordination.
• Work effectively across time zones and cultural contexts to resolve supply, quality, and delivery escalations.

3. Localization & Supplier Transition

• Lead phased localization from China to India aligned with volume ramp-up and cost targets.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard Indian vendors for mechanical, electrical, and BOS components.
• Drive technology transfer, tooling readiness, and quality stabilization during localization.
• Maintain dual-source readiness to mitigate transition risks.
• Align localization efforts with PLI / Make-in-India objectives.

4. Production Planning & Material Readiness

• Align MRP and procurement plans with manufacturing capacity, takt time, and ramp-up curves.
• Ensure line-side availability of critical materials to avoid production downtime.
• Balance inventory levels considering cell aging, lead times, and working capital.

5. Costing, Commercials & VA/VE

• Own manufacturing BOM cost ($/kWh) at pack and container level.
• Lead supplier negotiations, rate contracts, and commercial terms.
• Drive structured VA/VE initiatives across BOM to reduce cost without compromising safety or compliance.
• Track impact of duties, freight, and logistics on landed cost.

6. Quality, Compliance & Supplier Governance

• Ensure compliance with UN38.3, IEC, UL, BIS, AIS, and other applicable standards.
• Lead supplier qualification, audits, PPAP/FAT in coordination with QA and Engineering.
• Own supplier scorecards (OTIF, quality, cost, responsiveness).

7. Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor SCM Managers – Core Components and BOS/Logistics.
• Establish SOPs, escalation frameworks, and performance KPIs.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong exposure to China-based sourcing followed by localization
• Deep understanding of BESS manufacturing BOM and production support
• Commercially strong, execution-focused, and comfortable in scale-up environments