Sourcing Manager- Frame and Structural

Zeno; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech platform in electric vehicles in Bengaluru is looking for a Supply Chain Manager to lead sourcing and vendor development for critical components. The role focuses on ensuring quality, cost competitiveness, and timely delivery of structural parts essential for electric two-wheelers. Candidates with 7–10 years of experience in the automotive industry and strong negotiation skills are encouraged to apply. This full-time position offers significant growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in supply chain, sourcing, or procurement in the automotive or heavy engineering industry.
• Strong background in sourcing structural parts.
• Understanding of quality systems (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for structural components.
• Build strong supplier partnerships and negotiate contracts.
• Ensure supplier compliance with safety and quality standards.

Skills

Sourcing strategies

Negotiation

Vendor development

Analytical skills

Tools

ERP systems (SAP/Odoo)

Job description

Overview

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.
• 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.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Positive attitude with a collaborative approach
• Team-oriented with the ability to handle multiple responsibilities and deliver results
• Open to change and capable of taking on new responsibilities
• Strategic thinker in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills with suppliers across India
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and analytical problem-solving abilities
• Experience or capability to work with a startup mindset and lateral thinking
• Ability to drive and deliver in evolving processes across the company

Other Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Supply Chain
• Industries: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

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