Sourcing Engineer

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.

• 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.

• Understand sourcing and technical requirements from KOKO's development team.
• Finalize suitable suppliers for required projects or parts.
• Obtain quotations, negotiate prices, and align on quality, inspection, and delivery timelines.
• Perform basic pre-dispatch inspections at supplier facilities for quality and time-critical parts.
• Systematically develop new vendors for KOKO's hardware team in the fields of metal machining, forming, fabrication, soft tooling, and rapid prototyping.
• Continuously look for ways to reduce delivery and quality risks with suppliers.
• Coordinate with the finance team on all commercial aspects of orders.
• Prepare monthly or fortnightly reports on sourcing activity.
• Interact with the development team to gather feedback and improve the overall sourcing process.
• This role necessitates regular travelling (mostly within Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar) for supplier evaluation, order inspections, and problem resolution.

• Bachelor's or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
• 3+ years of experience in technical sourcing and vendor management.
• Strong understanding of batch and mass manufacturing processes.
• Excellent knowledge of rapid prototyping methods and processes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive inspection and vendor evaluation reports.
• In-depth understanding of reading 2D drawings with GD&T and tolerances.
• The ability to identify, report, and suggest solutions to quality issues.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to hardware quality and reliability.
• The ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

Nice to Haves

• Understanding of sourcing electronics/systems components
• Working experience with an overseas supplier (China)

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 bonus
• Annual compensation reviews - we reward great work
• Discounted health insurance with no-cost financing for you and your dependents (in Kenya)
• 21 days of annual leave plus public holidays plus examination leave
• Ongoing investment in you and your skills, incl. full access to over 5,000 online courses
• The right equipment for the job - a choice of MacBook, Windows, or Linux laptop