Head - Sourcing & Supply Chain Management

Job Summary:

Ola Electric is building India's most advanced vertically integrated EV ecosystem - spanning vehicles, battery systems, cells, electronics, and energy products. As we scale manufacturing and expand globally, Supply Chain & Sourcing will play a critical role in enabling speed, resilience, cost competitiveness, and localization across our operations.

We are seeking a strategic and execution-driven Head of Sourcing & SCM to lead end-to-end procurement, supplier development, supply planning, logistics, and supply chain transformation across Ola Electric's product portfolio. This leadership role will be responsible for building a scalable and agile supply chain ecosystem capable of supporting rapid growth, complex manufacturing programs, and next-generation technology development.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, cost optimization, and operational excellence, along with the ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships across Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Program Management.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management:

- Define and execute Ola's sourcing and supply chain strategy aligned with business growth, localization, and cost objectives.

- Lead sourcing for direct and indirect categories including EV components, battery systems, electronics, semiconductors, mechanicals, and manufacturing equipment.

- Build and manage a robust supplier ecosystem across domestic and global markets.

- Drive supplier selection, capability assessment, commercial negotiations, and long-term strategic partnerships.

- Ensure dual sourcing, risk diversification, and supply continuity for critical categories.

2. Supply Chain Planning & Execution:

- Oversee end-to-end supply chain operations - procurement, inventory planning, logistics, warehousing, and material flow.

- Ensure seamless coordination between demand planning, production planning, and supplier schedules.

- Establish systems for real-time material visibility, inventory optimization, and supply responsiveness.

- Drive OTIF (On-Time In-Full) delivery performance across suppliers and manufacturing sites.

3. Cost Optimization & Localization:

- Lead value engineering and should-costing initiatives to improve margins and reduce material costs.

- Drive localization programs for critical EV, battery, and semiconductor components.

- Develop long-term sourcing strategies aligned with commodity trends, capacity expansion, and technology evolution.

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

4. Supplier Development & Quality Integration:

- Partner with Supplier Quality and Manufacturing teams to ensure supplier readiness and process capability.

- Drive APQP, PPAP, and supplier performance management processes across all strategic vendors.

- Develop supplier capability improvement programs focused on quality, scalability, and operational excellence.

- Ensure compliance with sustainability, safety, and ethical sourcing standards across the supply chain ecosystem.

5. Risk Management & Business Continuity:

- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to capacity, geopolitics, commodity pricing, logistics, and technology dependencies.

- Develop resilient sourcing strategies and contingency plans for critical components and raw materials.

- Lead crisis management and recovery initiatives during supply disruptions or operational escalations.

- Build predictive analytics and early warning mechanisms for supply chain risks.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Governance:

- Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Program Management, and Quality teams to align sourcing strategy with product roadmaps and operational priorities.

- Support new product introductions (NPI) through early supplier involvement and sourcing readiness.

- Drive governance mechanisms, KPI reviews, and executive reporting for sourcing and supply chain performance.

- Act as the primary supply chain interface for leadership reviews and strategic business planning.

7. Team Leadership & Capability Building:

- Build and mentor high-performing teams across sourcing, procurement, logistics, and supply planning.

- Foster a culture of ownership, agility, analytical rigor, and continuous improvement.

- Strengthen organizational capabilities in strategic sourcing, contract management, and digital SCM tools.

- Develop future-ready talent pipelines aligned with Ola's growth ambitions.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Education:

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field.

- MBA or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management preferred.

Experience:

- 15 - 20 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain leadership roles.

- Proven track record managing complex supply chains in automotive, EV, electronics, or advanced manufacturing industries.

- Experience in supplier development, localization, and large-scale operational transformation.

Technical Expertise:

- Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, inventory planning, logistics, and supplier management frameworks.

- Expertise in ERP, SCM, and planning systems (SAP, Oracle, Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, etc.).

- Knowledge of automotive/APQP sourcing practices, commodity management, and contract negotiations.

- Familiarity with EV components, electronics, battery systems, and manufacturing ecosystems preferred.

Leadership & Soft Skills:

- Strong strategic thinking and operational execution capability.

- Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.

- Data-driven decision-maker with strong analytical and problem-solving orientation.

- Ability to thrive in high-growth, fast-paced, and ambiguity-driven environments.

Preferred Attributes:

- Experience in vertically integrated manufacturing organizations.

- Exposure to global supplier ecosystems and international sourcing operations.

- Track record of driving digital transformation and automation in supply chain processes.

- Passion for sustainable mobility, clean energy, and manufacturing innovation.