BasiGo is an emerging e-mobility start-up focused on transforming public transportation across Africa. The organization is committed to advancing clean, electric solutions that decarbonize transit systems while creating affordable and sustainable alternatives for communities. Through a model that blends product development, innovative service offerings, and advanced technology, BasiGo envisions Africa as a leader in low-carbon public transport.
Battery technology remains a cornerstone of this mission. To strengthen its core operations and long-term growth, BasiGo is seeking a Technology Program Manager – Battery Systems. This role is designed for a highly skilled professional with experience in lithium-ion battery systems, product development, and supply chain management. The selected candidate will guide the company’s overall battery strategy and ensure the efficient deployment, management, and evolution of its battery portfolio.
Position Overview
The Technology Program Manager – Battery Systems will oversee all battery-related initiatives within BasiGo. This individual will be responsible for aligning battery technology with company objectives, managing supplier relationships, ensuring the safety and quality of deployed systems, and leading innovations in second-life battery applications and recycling. As a cross-functional leader, the manager will engage with engineering, manufacturing, operations, and executive teams to maintain consistent progress toward BasiGo’s objectives.
The role requires balancing technical expertise with program management skills to design and execute a roadmap that ensures BasiGo remains competitive and innovative. The manager will also play a key role in communicating the organization’s battery technology direction to stakeholders, including investors and partners.
Detailed Job Description
- Development and Management of Technology Roadmap
The Technology Program Manager will design and maintain BasiGo’s roadmap for lithium-ion battery technologies. This includes staying ahead of industry developments, assessing emerging technologies, and positioning the company to take advantage of future advancements. The roadmap must align with both short-term operational needs and long-term strategic objectives, balancing quality, performance, cost, and sustainability considerations. - Battery Specification and Evaluation
The role involves leading the specification process for batteries used in new electric vehicles and energy storage systems. This includes conducting thorough evaluations of technical parameters such as energy density, charging cycles, safety features, and expected lifespan. The manager will ensure that each specification is designed to meet BasiGo’s operational demands and customer expectations. - Supplier Relationship Management
The manager will act as the primary liaison between BasiGo and its global battery suppliers. Building and maintaining strong supplier partnerships will be critical to securing access to cutting-edge technologies, competitive pricing, and reliable supply chains. The manager must oversee negotiations, monitor supplier performance, and ensure compliance with international safety and quality standards. - Monitoring and Managing Battery Portfolio
A core responsibility will be tracking the performance of BasiGo’s deployed batteries across various markets and applications. This includes monitoring metrics such as state of health (SoH), state of charge (SoC), charging efficiency, and degradation trends. The manager will generate periodic reports for internal review, ensuring transparency and data-driven decision-making across the company.
In addition, the manager will design strategies for battery charging, lifecycle management, and after-sales support, ensuring customers experience maximum reliability and safety throughout the battery lifespan.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
The manager will coordinate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations departments. Collaboration will ensure that battery-related objectives are met efficiently across product development cycles, manufacturing processes, and day-to-day operations. By integrating the insights of different teams, the manager will help align the technical direction with broader business goals. - Second-Life Battery and Recycling Strategy
The Technology Program Manager will develop and lead initiatives related to the repurposing of batteries for secondary applications and their eventual recycling. These strategies are critical for minimizing environmental impact while maximizing value extraction from each battery unit. By fostering a circular economy approach, the manager will position BasiGo as a sustainability leader in the industry. - Representation of Battery Technology
The manager will serve as the spokesperson for BasiGo’s battery strategy both internally and externally. This involves presenting the company’s technological direction to executive leadership, board members, investors, and industry stakeholders. Effective communication will ensure alignment and support for ongoing and future initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Minimum of five years of experience in lithium-ion battery technology and systems.
- Comprehensive expertise in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, spanning from chemistry to system design.
- Hands-on experience in lithium-ion battery or battery pack product development and manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of Battery Management Systems (BMS), state-of-charge estimation, state-of-health estimation, and lifecycle management.
- Proficiency in data analysis, visualization, and energy storage insights.
- Experience in engineering program management.
- Familiarity with technology supply chains in East Asia, with preference given to candidates who have direct experience working with lithium-ion battery suppliers.
- Knowledge of safety and quality standards related to lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
- Strong communication and decision-framing skills, with the ability to simplify technical concepts for diverse stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications
- Awareness of key technology trends shaping the lithium-ion battery industry.
- Skills in techno-economic modeling for cost and performance trade-off analysis.
- Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.
- Leadership qualities, including the ability to mentor and guide young engineers.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
BasiGo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will be considered fairly and evaluated on the basis of their skills, experience, and potential contributions.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the requirements and responsibilities outlined are encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of clean transportation solutions in Africa while working with a forward-looking organization that prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
Technology Program Manager – Battery Systems
BasiGo
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Category: IT, Operations
Date Posted: August 21, 2025
