About KOKO Networks
KOKO Networks is a venture-backed climate technology company with a team of 1,000+ staff across East Africa, India, and the United Kingdom. Our mission is to imagine and deliver technology that improves life in the world's fastest growing markets. Our core lines of business are : KOKO Fuel, a clean, affordable, and renewable bioethanol household cooking solution delivered via a network of smart fuel ATMs and leveraging existing downstream liquid fuels infrastructure; and KOKO Climate, which retails the certified emissions reductions that are generated by transitioning households from deforestation-based charcoal and other dirty fuels to KOKO Fuel. In 2021, KOKO was selected as the world's leading emerging markets climate technology solution by the Financial Times and the IFC, and, in 2022, KOKO received the Keeling Curve Prize for climate impact.
Your Role
- As a Sourcing Engineer at KOKO, you'll be the crucial link between our hardware development team and our manufacturing supply chain. You'll be a hands-on technical expert, responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing a robust network of suppliers. Your work will involve more than just procurement—you'll use your in-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes to negotiate, inspect, and ensure the quality of every component, directly impacting the success of our projects. This role requires frequent travel within the Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar area to build strong relationships and solve issues with our key suppliers
What You Will Do
Understand sourcing and technical requirements from KOKO's development teamFinalize suitable suppliers for required projects or partsObtain quotations, negotiate prices, and align on quality, inspection, and delivery timelinesPerform basic pre-dispatch inspections at supplier facilities for quality and time-critical partsSystematically develop new vendors for KOKO's hardware team in the fields of metal machining, forming, fabrication, soft tooling, and rapid prototypingContinuously look for ways to reduce delivery and quality risks with suppliersCoordinate with the finance team on all commercial aspects of ordersPrepare monthly or fortnightly reports on sourcing activityInteract with the development team to gather feedback and improve the overall sourcing processThis role necessitates regular travelling (mostly within Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar) for supplier evaluation, order inspections, and problem resolutionWhat You Will Bring To KOKO
Bachelor's or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering3+ years of experience in technical sourcing and vendor managementStrong understanding of batch and mass manufacturing processesExcellent knowledge of rapid prototyping methods and processesStrong verbal and written communication skills in EnglishAbility to prepare comprehensive inspection and vendor evaluation reportsIn-depth understanding of reading 2D drawings with GD&T and tolerancesThe ability to identify, report, and suggest solutions to quality issuesKnowledge of industry standards and regulations related to hardware quality and reliabilityThe ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environmentNice to Haves
Understanding of sourcing electronics / systems componentsWorking experience with an overseas supplier (China)What We Offer
We believe that our people are critical for our ambitious growth plans in Kenya and beyond. We want to build an organization where people thrive, feel included, grow professionally, and enjoy having a high impact through their work.
Competitive salary plus a quarterly cash bonusAnnual compensation reviews - we reward great workDiscounted health insurance with no-cost financing for you and your dependents (in Kenya)21 days of annual leave plus public holidays plus examination leaveOngoing investment in you and your skills, incl. full access to over 5,000 online coursesThe right equipment for the job - a choice of MacBook, Windows, or Linux laptopSkills Required
Vendor Management, manufacturing processes , Quality Inspection, Rapid Prototyping