Vice President of Supply Chain

Company Introduction

At
ZOLA iNTELLIGENCE (ZOLAi)
, we are redefining what's possible in emerging markets. More than an energy company, we are an
AI technology platform
embedding intelligence into energy, connectivity, and financial services infrastructure across the Global South. Our Vision is bold:
Energy Equality for All
.

The challenge is immense: nearly 3 billion people still lack reliable, affordable energy—a barrier that has fueled inequality in income, healthcare, and education for centuries. We believe technology can finally close that gap.

Building on over a decade of experience scaling distributed energy (with roots as ZOLA Electric in Tanzania), ZOLAi now delivers the
world's first Intelligent, AI-enabled, enterprise technology platform
for critical emerging market infrastructure. We unite data with agentic hardware, control, and software layers to empower our
Energy Service Provider (ESP)
customers with the growth, efficiency, and financing necessary to deploy, manage, and optimize entire networks.

Already,
our technology enables our Customers to power
over
3 million people and businesses
across 10 countries, transforming basic energy access into a foundation for connectivity, financial inclusion, and opportunity for generations to come. If you're ready to tackle a multi-generational challenge with cutting-edge AI, join us.

Always PAMOJA
—one team, one mission.

Position Overview

ZOLAi is seeking a Vice President, Supply Chain for our San Mateo (Bay Area) location. If you are selected for this role, you will play a critical role in our global mission as an integral member of the Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Founder and CEO.

The VP, Supply Chain will build and lead ZOLA's supply chain management and capabilities, including: materials procurement, capital purchase negotiations, sourcing, order fulfillment, New Product Introduction (NPI), quality and supply chain strategy and development. The supply chain team supports global production facilities, as well as planned worldwide expansions. You will be a critical member of the Engineering and Product teams.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to the following:

• Develop the 3-year Supply Chain strategy aligned to the overall company strategy, including product roadmap alignment as part of the Product Steering Committee.
• Lead end-to-end supply chain operations, including procurement, supply planning, supplier analysis, negotiating, contracting, supplier performance management, and total cost of ownership optimization.
• Oversee order fulfillment, S&OP, sourcing, quality engineering, NPI, logistics, inventory management, cost reductions, and contract manufacturer (CM) management.
• Manage global logistics operations, including 3PLs, freight forwarders, sea and land transportation, insurance, compliance, and risk exposure.
• Build and scale the supply chain organization, including budgeting, recruiting, goal-setting (OKRs), coaching/mentoring, and performance management.
• Design and implement scalable ERP/data systems, tools, and SOPs to improve visibility, efficiency, and cost control across the supply chain.
• Conduct ongoing supplier market assessments and drive supplier strategy across batteries, inverters, PCBAs, and other high-tech manufacturing categories.
• Develop and manage the annual supply chain budget, ensuring alignment with operational and financial targets.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring continuity, resilience, and operational scalability.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in Supply Chain Management, of which 5+ years is in a management/leadership role
• Deep supply chain expertise in procurement, quality, sourcing, and outsourcing strategies across batteries, inverters, PCBAs, and other high-tech manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Knowledge and experience in implementing ERP or supply chain management systems
• Knowledge of global supply chain management, particularly in low-cost geographies including Asia
• Strong NPI experience a plus, including deep working relationship with PM and Engineering
• Knowledge of Lean and Six-sigma practices
• MBA/MS in Engineering Management is a plus
• Travel is required

Ideal Candidate:

• Strategic, tech-forward supply chain leader
  with the ability to operate in a high-growth, dynamic, mission-driven environment and make sound decisions under scale and complexity.
• Demonstrated experience applying AI and advanced analytics
  to improve supply chain performance, including predictive planning, demand forecasting, supply chain visibility, risk mitigation, capital efficiency, and decision automation.
• Curious and innovation-oriented
  , with a strong appetite for exploring and adopting emerging technologies—particularly AI/ML tools—that enhance resilience, efficiency, and strategic clarity across the supply chain.
• Exceptional communicator
  who can translate complex, data-driven insights and AI-influenced strategies into clear, actionable plans for the Leadership Team, Board, and cross-functional partners.
• Collaborative cross-functional influencer
  with a strong track record of partnering effectively with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Finance, and Commercial/Go-To-Market teams.
• Hands-on and mission-oriented
  , able to balance strategic vision with operational depth, diving into details while maintaining a broad, future-focused perspective.
• Builder and people developer
  who can structure, grow, and mentor a high-performing supply chain organization.
• Analytical and data-driven
  , using insights, metrics, and systems to guide decisions and drive continuous improvement.

Why Join ZOLAi?

Mission Driven With Global Impact

Operate at the intersection of AI, emerging market infrastructure

Strategic Seat at the Table

Diverse, Global Team

Unmatched Learning Curve

Competitive Package, High Ownership

Ready to apply?

We can't wait to meet people who are passionate, driven, and inspired by what we're building. Apply now and help us shape the future of energy access.