Supply Chain Planning & Logistics Lead

Job Summary

Jaza is a fast-growing social enterprise powering Sub-Saharan Africa with clean, affordable solar energy. Since 2022, the company has facilitated over 4 million battery swaps, providing energy access to approximately 225,000 people. As the Supply Chain Planning & Logistics Lead, you will own the end-to-end supply chain function, from demand forecasting and procurement to logistics and vendor management. This is a high-impact leadership role critical to scaling Jaza's operations across Tanzania. You will work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and software teams to ensure materials, equipment, and assets are available on time, within budget, and in full compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate is a data-driven, organized leader with deep supply chain expertise and a passion for driving sustainable energy access in emerging markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts aligned with project timelines and business growth targets.
• Create and execute supply chain strategies that support scalability and flexibility.
• Coordinate cross-functional planning with project, engineering, and operations teams.
• Prepare periodic (weekly, monthly, quarterly) supply chain management reports and ad hoc analyses.
• Lead procurement processes for local purchases of equipment and materials critical to business growth and operations.
• Select and manage suppliers and vendors to achieve Jaza's strategic objectives.
• Inform staff and vendors regarding ordering and purchasing procedures to ensure compliance with established practices.
• Ensure all goods and services procured comply with Jaza's procurement policy.
• Build and maintain strong supplier and vendor relationships to ensure reliable sourcing.
• Negotiate contracts, prices, and delivery terms to optimize cost and quality.
• Maintain purchasing documents, files, and records, including Requests for Proposal and vendor files, for compliance and audit readiness.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound shipments with freight providers.
• Oversee transportation, warehousing, and distribution logistics to ensure timely delivery.
• Optimize shipping routes, modes, and inventory storage to reduce costs and lead times.
• Manage customs, clearance, and compliance requirements for international shipments.
• Ensure proper documentation for international shipments, including customs clearance and bills of lading.
• Resolve shipping issues or delays promptly.
• Oversee inventory and stock level accuracy with warehouse teams.
• Evaluate and onboard suppliers, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and sustainability standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data to track KPIs such as lead times, inventory levels, procurement cycle times, and overall supply chain efficiency.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation plans for supply disruptions.
• Review documents and data, including incoming requisitions, past purchases, reconciliations, purchase orders, and inventories, to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Collaborate with software teams to implement scalable processes and systems to support rapid growth.
• Leverage technology to automate procurement and logistics workflows.
• Ensure supply chain activities comply with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Develop contingency plans for supply chain disruptions.
• Understand all Tanzania regulatory requirements applicable to the importation of goods and locally sourced services.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of supply chain management, procurement procedures, and principles.
• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams.
• Ability to develop good relationships with vendors, staff, and customers.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and work under the highest level of ethical standards, in strict adherence to Jaza's Code of Conduct and Anti-Bribery Policy.
• Ability to work with functional groups and different levels of employees throughout the organization to achieve business results.
• Strong follow-up skills; ability to organize applicable department timelines and follow up with internal and external customer needs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present ideas and suggestions clearly and effectively.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to accomplish multiple tasks within agreed timeframes through effective prioritization in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong track record of building and maintaining solid relationships with both internal and external customers and vendors.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently to complete tasks and respond to department requests, as well as collaborate with others to identify high-quality solutions.
• Strong IT skills for presentation, analysis, and internet search.
• Leadership skills demonstrated through previous roles or projects.

Skills Inventory

• Demand forecasting and supply chain planning
• Procurement management and vendor negotiation
• Logistics and distribution coordination
• Inventory management and stock accuracy
• Supplier evaluation and performance monitoring
• Data analysis and KPI tracking
• Risk assessment and mitigation planning
• Process improvement and automation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Contract negotiation
• Customs and international shipping compliance
• Proficiency in supply chain software and ERP systems
• Strong MS Excel and data visualization skills
• Fluency in English; Swahili is a plus