Head - Sourcing & Supply Chain Management

Job Summary

Ola Electric is building a vertically integrated EV ecosystem spanning vehicles, battery cells, and energy solutions. As we scale manufacturing and expand our product portfolio, sourcing and supply chain excellence will be critical to driving cost competitiveness, operational agility, and business growth.

We are seeking a technology-driven, digitally savvy Head of Sourcing & SCM to lead end-to-end sourcing, procurement, supplier development, supply planning, and supply chain transformation.

Beyond traditional SCM expertise, the role requires a technically strong leader who can leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, advanced analytics, and automation to transform procurement and supply chain operations. The individual must be capable of identifying high-impact technology opportunities, partnering with technical teams to implement solutions, and driving measurable improvements in cost, productivity, inventory, and supply reliability.

The ideal candidate combines deep sourcing and manufacturing expertise with a forward-looking digital mindset to build an intelligent, data-driven, and resilient supply chain.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

Define and execute sourcing strategies aligned with business growth, localization, cost, quality, and supply continuity.

Lead sourcing across EV components, battery systems, electronics, semiconductors, mechanicals, and manufacturing equipment.

Drive supplier selection, technical and commercial evaluations, negotiations, strategic partnerships, and supplier diversification.

Leverage digital sourcing intelligence, commodity analytics, and should-cost models to optimize procurement decisions.

B. AI-Led Digital Transformation

Define and execute an AI and digital transformation roadmap across sourcing, procurement, planning, inventory, logistics, and supplier management.

Identify and implement AI/ML use cases for spend analytics, intelligent sourcing, cost forecasting, supplier risk prediction, inventory optimization, and supply-demand planning.

Leverage generative AI, AI agents, and intelligent automation to streamline procurement workflows, contract analysis, supplier documentation, and decision support.

Partner with IT, Data Science, and Engineering teams to translate business challenges into scalable technology solutions.

Drive adoption and measure tangible business outcomes from AI initiatives, including cost savings, productivity, planning accuracy, and cycle-time reduction.

C. Supply Chain Planning & Execution

Lead end-to-end procurement, material planning, inventory management, logistics, warehousing, and supplier scheduling.

Integrate demand forecasts, production plans, supplier capacity, and material availability to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing.

Establish digital dashboards and real-time visibility for inventory, material shortages, supplier performance, and OTIF delivery.

Apply predictive analytics to anticipate supply-demand mismatches, optimize working capital, and improve inventory turns.

D. Cost Optimization & Localization

Drive structural cost reductions through strategic negotiations, value engineering, design-to-cost, and total cost of ownership analysis.

Collaborate with Engineering to optimize BOM costs without compromising product quality or performance.

Lead localization initiatives across critical EV, battery, electronics, and semiconductor components.

Use data-driven cost intelligence and scenario modelling to identify savings opportunities and improve sourcing decisions.

E. Supplier Development & Risk Management

Partner with Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Manufacturing teams to ensure supplier readiness, scalability, and quality.

Drive supplier performance management across cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and responsiveness.

Establish predictive risk monitoring and contingency plans to address supplier, commodity, capacity, geopolitical, and logistics risks.

Ensure adherence to applicable automotive quality standards, sustainability requirements, and ethical sourcing practices.

F. Leadership & Governance

Collaborate with the COO, Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Quality, and Program Management to align SCM priorities with business objectives.

Lead new product introduction sourcing readiness and early supplier involvement.

Build high-performing teams across sourcing, procurement, planning, and logistics, strengthening their digital and analytical capabilities.

Establish clear KPIs, executive reviews, and accountability for sourcing performance, supply assurance, cost savings, and digital transformation.

3. Required Skills & Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related discipline.

MBA or postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain, Operations, or Technology Management preferred.

Experience

15-20 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain leadership, preferably in automotive, EV, electronics, batteries, or advanced manufacturing.

Proven track record in strategic sourcing, supplier development, localization, cost optimization, and large-scale supply chain operations.

Demonstrated experience driving digital transformation, automation, advanced analytics, or AI-enabled business initiatives.

Technical & Digital Expertise

Strong understanding of manufacturing ecosystems, engineering BOMs, component cost structures, supplier capabilities, and supply chain processes.

Proven ability to identify, implement, and scale AI/ML and automation use cases with measurable business impact.

Familiarity with generative AI, predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and AI-enabled procurement and planning solutions.

Experience with ERP, SCM, procurement, and planning platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Kinaxis, or Blue Yonder.

Strong capabilities in data-driven decision-making, should-costing, spend analytics, supplier risk assessment, and performance dashboards.

Leadership Attributes

Strategic thinker with strong execution, commercial acumen, and analytical problem-solving skills.

Digitally fluent and technically sound, with the ability to bridge business, engineering, and technology teams.

Demonstrated ability to drive organizational change, technology adoption, and continuous improvement.

Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and cross-functional leadership capabilities.

4. Preferred Attributes & Success Measures

Preferred Attributes

Experience in vertically integrated manufacturing and complex global supplier ecosystems.

Exposure to EVs, battery cells, electronics, semiconductors, or energy storage.

Experience implementing AI-enabled supply chain control towers, predictive planning, or intelligent procurement solutions.

Proven ability to scale digital initiatives beyond pilots and embed them into everyday business operations.

Key Success Measures

Sustainable sourcing savings and BOM cost optimization.

Improved material availability, supplier performance, and OTIF delivery.

Optimized inventory turns and working capital.

Reduced procurement cycle times and manual effort through automation.

Successful AI adoption with measurable improvements in productivity, forecasting, and decision-making.

Enhanced supply chain resilience and reduced production disruptions.

The Ideal Candidate: A forward-thinking SCM leader who combines sourcing excellence, manufacturing and technical depth, and strong AI/digital capabilities to build a cost-efficient, intelligent, and resilient supply chain for Ola Electric.