Sourcing Specialist/Category Manager

Department: Research & Procurement

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: China

Description

Key Responsibilities

• ‌Supplier Development & Management‌
• Support new product introduction from a sourcing perspective.
• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers for the finished goods of stoves, regulators, sensors and the solar home system components such as PCB, PCBA, cables, connectors, and associated auxiliary parts.
• Maintain a high-quality supplier database and conduct quarterly performance reviews (quality, delivery, cost, etc.).
• ‌Procurement Strategy & Execution‌
• Develop sourcing plans and cost control strategies for projects (e.g., clean cooking products, solar powered devices).
• Lead sourcing, price negotiation, and contract discussions, clarifying technical specifications, delivery schedules, and acceptance criteria.
• ‌Cost Optimization & Risk Management‌
• Identify cost reduction, localization, and supplier consolidation opportunities.
• Reduce procurement costs through competitive pricing, bulk purchasing, and supply chain optimization.
• Monitor market price fluctuations, technology developments and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• ‌Cross-Departmental Collaboration‌
• Coordinate with R&D, Project, Quality, Ops and Finance etc. teams to ensure material specifications align with project requirements.
• Resolve quality disputes and delivery delays.
• ‌Compliance & Process Management‌
• Ensure sourcing processes comply with industry standards (e.g., photovoltaic component certifications, RoHS for electronic components).
• Maintain accurate contract and documentation records.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or International Trade.‌
• 8+ years of procurement experience, with 5+ years in electronics sourcing or procurement. 
• Should possess a specialized market knowledge and a strong vendor network, including reliable suppliers and manufacturing partners, to ensure fast and dependable procurement execution.‌
• Proficient in OEM/JDM/ODM models and PCB, PCBA and connectors sourcing.
• Skilled in procurement software (e.g., ERP systems) and data analysis tools.‌
• Strong vendor management, negotiation skills and market insight to anticipate price trends and manage supply chain risks.
• Integrity, high-pressure tolerance and cross-cultural communication abilities.‌
• English proficiency (CET-4 or higher), with experience in international procurement or cross-border negotiations.