Local 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience Requirements

• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in procurement or supply chain management, with some team leadership exposure preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• 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 using communication and project management tools such as WhatsApp, Slack, Trello, Google Apps, etc.
• Experience in a startup or fast-scaling environment.

Skills Required:

• Logistics / Supply / Chain
• Procurement / Purchasing
• Sales / Marketing / Business / Management