Vendor Manager

Role Summary: Responsible to own the identification, evaluation, commercial negotiation, and performance management of external service providers for solar PV sites. Responsibilities: Research, identify, and build a qualified pipeline of drone data acquisition and IV curve tracing vendors across India. Issue RFIs/EOIs; maintain an up-to-date vendor database with certifications, coverage, and capability profiles.

Evaluate drone platform specs, RGB camera, RTK/PPK GPS accuracy, DGCA compliance, flight planning capability, and data handover protocols. Assess trace reequipment, IEC 61829/61215 compliance, STC correction methodology, string/module-level diagnostic capability, and report quality. Negotiate per-MW / day-rate pricing; execute MSAs, SoWs, and SLAs in coordination with legal and finance teams.

Conduct TCO analysis; maintain benchmarked vendor rate card updated bi-annually. Run quarterly vendor performance reviews against scorecard KPIs; issue CARs for non-conformances. Manage the Approved Vendor List ; oversee onboarding, re-qualification, and deregistration.

Qualification & Skills Required: 3–5 years in vendor management, procurement, or technical evaluation in renewable energy, UAV, or field survey services. B.E./B.Tech in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, or Mechanical Engineering. Demonstrated experience evaluating and contracting field service vendors for solar PV or infrastructure projects.

Working knowledge of DGCA UAV regulations and solar PV electrical architecture. Strong negotiation skills; experience drafting and managing MSAs, SoWs, and SLAs. Willingness to travel pan-India for vendor audits and site assessments Strong communication and negotiation skills (Hindi and English) is a must