Sourcing Manager- Frame and Structural

Zeno is seeking a Supply Chain Manager – Frame & Structural to lead the sourcing, procurement, and vendor development of critical structural components, including chassis, frames, and other load-bearing elements of our electric two-wheelers.

Location: Bengaluru – Work from Office (5 days a week)

Start Date: Immediate

About Zeno

An unprecedented energy transition has begun. To meet 2040 net zero goals, over 2 billion electric two-wheelers (motorcycles) must be sold and $11 trillion in fuel consumption replaced. Zeno is building a tech platform to electrify this two-wheeler market, currently responsible for more than 4% of the world’s GHG emissions. Our mission is to accelerate the energy transition and democratize the benefits across Africa, India, and Latin America. With a focus on East Africa as a starting point, Zeno is building a new energy ecosystem with ground-up development of a fundamentally better electric motorcycle and associated battery swap network to drive a better experience for our customers.

The Role

Zeno is seeking a Supply Chain Manager – Frame & Structural to lead the sourcing, procurement, and vendor development of critical structural components, including chassis, frames, and other load-bearing elements of our electric two-wheelers. This role is central to ensuring supplier quality, cost competitiveness, and timely delivery while building a robust global supply chain for our manufacturing operations.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for frames, subframes, and structural metal components to support Zeno’s vehicle production.
• Strategic Sourcing: Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers for frame, chassis, and other structural components.
• Supplier Management: Build strong supplier partnerships, negotiate contracts, and ensure long-term reliability and competitiveness.
• Negotiate pricing and delivery schedules to optimize cost, lead times, and supply reliability.
• Identify and manage relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers specializing in forging, casting, welding, and precision machining.
• Work closely with engineering teams to ensure supplier capabilities align with design specifications, quality standards, and performance requirements.
• Cost Optimization: Drive cost reductions through Should cost analysis, strategic negotiations, value engineering, and alternative sourcing.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to ensure components meet specifications, durability, and compliance standards.
• Ensure supplier compliance with automotive safety and structural integrity standards for frames and related components.
• Logistics & Planning: Ensure on-time availability of materials through effective planning, forecasting, and inventory management.
• Ensure supplier compliance with automotive safety and structural integrity standards for frames and related components.
• Monitor supplier performance, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and drive cost-down strategies without compromising quality.
• Global Benchmarking: Monitor market trends, technologies, and suppliers in India, East Africa, and global markets to maintain best-in-class sourcing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with design, manufacturing, and program management teams to align supply chain execution with product timelines.
• Risk Management: Mitigate supply chain risks through dual sourcing, supplier audits, and contingency planning. Develop a risk management framework to mitigate disruptions in supply chains, material shortages, and lead time challenges.

What You Bring

• 7–10 years of experience in supply chain, sourcing, or procurement in the automotive or heavy engineering industry.
• Strong background in frame, chassis, and structural parts sourcing.
• Proven track record in vendor development, contract negotiation, and cost management.
• Familiarity with fabrication processes (welding, machining, casting, forging).
• Understanding of quality systems (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, PPAP, APQP).
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP/Odoo) and supply chain planning tools.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills with a data-driven approach.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Strong confidentiality orientation and ability to manage sensitive programs.
• Willing to relocate to Bengaluru, with a willingness to travel and frequently visit suppliers.

You have

• Positive attitude with positive view of people
• Teamwork attitude to take on & support multiple responsibilities and have result oriented way of working
• You are open to change and are stimulated by taking on new responsibilities
• Has the ability to work strategically in a fast-paced environment
• Has very good communication skills to deal with, interact with suppliers from different regions of India
• Works proactively with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments, as we operate in a changing environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Has the experience or capability to work with startup mind set with out of the box lateral thinking abilities
• Should be able to drive & deliver in evolving processes across the company

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Company-sponsored healthcare plan.
• Opportunity to build a world-class supply chain driving the EV revolution.
• Join a mission-driven team shaping the trillion-dollar transition of two-wheelers to electric.