Full-time/part-time (32-40 hours per week) · Spark Breda, the Netherlands

Ever thought about making a big difference in the world of renewable energy? Join us at Spark, a leading Dutch innovator dedicated to transforming the off-grid solar energy sector. We are committed to bringing high-quality products to market through efficient and professional outsourced production and supplier management. All this so we connect millions of people in under-developed regions to solar power.

Why you? Because you're not just looking for a job—you're looking for a way to make an impact. As a Production & Sourcing Manager, you'll play a key role in making our processes more efficient and reducing costs. You'll work closely with our suppliers in China, making strategic decisions to improve our product offerings and production methods. You're ready to steer us towards in-house assembly, setting up our own lines and potentially our own warehouse. You will become part of the management team as the main person responsible for everything related to our in-life product portfolio, production, sourcing, quality, and costs. Together with the rest of the management, you will help Spark reach many more people to make a real impact in off-grid access to energy.

Your team

Our Production & Sourcing team designs, manufactures, and ensures the quality of our solar kits sold in over 18 countries in Africa. Currently, we are managing the production of hundreds of thousands of products across more than 15 suppliers and 3 EMS’es. This team of five—quality lead, production manager, engineering manager, sourcing specialist, and an electronics engineer—has enabled nearly a million people to access better energy. You'll lead this talented tech team in China.

What you will be doing

As our Production & Sourcing Manager, you will be at the forefront of driving our production processes and procurement strategies. Your main tasks include:

• Optimize manufacturing processes: lead initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce risks, and streamline production. You'll make sure every step is as efficient as possible. Also, you will oversee the introduction of new products developed by the product development team towards full-scale production.

• Supplier sourcing and portfolio management: find and manage suppliers to get the best quality at the lowest prices. You’ll strengthen our supplier base, reduce costs, and handle major negotiations to ensure we offer the best products to our end-users. You will also influence decisions on new product offerings and shape our product portfolio with your expertise and knowledge of available products in China.

• Team leadership: Build and manage our manufacturing and sourcing team, ensuring everyone is aligned with our goals and ready to grow. We may double the team in the future as we take on more in-house production. You’ll lead a team that can compete with the best factories out there and you’ll travel to China at least once a quarter.

• Implement approval processes: develop and roll out approval processes and document management systems to keep everything running smoothly. Currently, there isn’t a standardized way to proceed, so your vision will help us stay organized and forward-thinking.

• Transition to in-house production: You'll help set up our own assembly lines and potentially our own warehouse. We aim to buy components like batteries and plastic directly from manufacturers and eventually assemble these parts ourselves.

Interested in hearing more? Watch our videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B1l Uv ZPye0 & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wa ZWa9a UOg.

What you will bring

• You have at least 7 years of experience, including 3-4 years in production, preferably focused on outsourced production in China. Additional relevant experience within manufacturing, sourcing, or supply chain management is a plus. You also bring demonstrable experience in a senior management role, leading teams and driving operational improvements in a technical or production setting.
• You understand the dynamics of working in a scale-up environment and have experience in smaller companies or teams.
• You thrive in an international environment and have experience working with multicultural teams. You understand the complexities of international production and sourcing setups.
• You hold a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.

Other skills you’ll bring:

• You’re a transparent leader with no hidden agenda. You communicate directly and effectively, making sure your team knows the long-term goals and what needs to be done today to achieve them.
• You’re comfortable with technical details, whether it’s about improving lamp brightness, upgrading screens, or reverse engineering connectors. You understand the challenges of implementing new components.
• You’re the type who follows up on project status, identifies bottlenecks, and ensures the team is always moving forward.
• You know how to secure the best deals without compromising on quality. You are proficient in English and it’s a plus if you speak Chinese.

At Spark, we welcome everyone. We believe everyone should have the chance to do well at work, no matter where they come from. If you're excited about this job but don't meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply!

Perks of working with us

• A salary that matches your experience (€6.000 - €8.000 gross per month) and 8% vacation pay.
• €500,- a year to spend on your professional development.
• Travel allowance, fresh daily lunches, snacks, monthly drinks and an informal office in a nice location near Breda station.
• A multicultural, international and welcoming team environment with colleagues in the Netherlands, Africa, and China, 15 nationalities. Our diversity brings us closer and makes us better.
• You'll get the chance to be part of a movement that's changing lives.

Recruitment process

• A quick online chat with Vera to see if we click.
• A first interview with Link & Mauro to dive deeper into your skills and the cultural match.
• A final interview with Evan & Marcel who you will work closely with side by side in the management team.

Ready to power up your career and the world? Apply now and join our movement at Spark!