Procurement Team Lead
About Dodai
Dodai Manufacturing PLC is a fast-growing organization launched in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on August 1, 2023. With a mission to make urban e-mobility accessible to everyone in Africa, Dodai assembles electric two-wheelers locally and plans to expand to major regional cities in Ethiopia by the end of 2026. Join us to be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and change!
Purpose of the Position
The Procurement Team Lead will play a critical role in leading and optimizing Dodai’s procurement function. This role goes beyond transactional purchasing, focusing on developing and executing procurement strategies, managing supplier performance, negotiating high-value contracts, and ensuring alignment with the company’s operational and financial objectives.
The successful candidate will also lead the procurement team, strengthen supplier networks, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure full compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the end-to-end procurement cycle, from vendor identification and contract negotiation to delivery and performance monitoring.
- Supervise and support junior procurement team members, ensuring clear task allocation, performance management, and continuous development.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and long-term partnerships.
- Continuously evaluate suppliers for quality, reliability, compliance, and value-for-money.
- Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships while promoting supplier diversity and sustainability practices.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams (Finance & Accounting, Battery Systems, Commercial, Customer Experience, Manufacturing & Engineering, and Supply Chain) to anticipate and meet operational needs.
- Ensure strict compliance with Dodai’s procurement policies, ethical standards, and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
- Identify and implement cost-saving and process optimization initiatives across procurement functions.
- Review and approve supplier invoices by matching them with purchase orders and delivery records.
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of weekly and monthly procurement reports.
- Maintain detailed records of purchases, supplier information, logistics data, and pricing for easy access and auditing.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and performance feedback to team members.
- Perform other tasks as directed by the supervisor.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in procurement or supply chain management, with some team leadership exposure preferred.
- Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, logistics coordination, contract management, and supplier performance evaluation.
- Proven ability to lead negotiations and manage high-value contracts.
- Experience working with ERP systems and procurement digital tools.
- Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- High level of efficiency, integrity, accountability, and ability to manage teams effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in manufacturing, logistics, or mobility sectors.
- Experience in using communication and project management tools like WhatsApp, Slack, Trello, Google apps, etc.
- Experience in a startup or fast-scaling environment.