Parts Business Manager - 12 month contract
Posted 5 days 23 hours ago by Lotus UK
Lotus Cars builds world class, high performance and lightweight sports cars that are sold all around the world.
To bring the company to the level we want it to be, we are looking for a Parts Business Manager - Lotus Europe.
This is a hands on role responsible for the end to end execution of the parts business across Europe. You will manage daily import/export flows (EU and non EU), classify HS codes, confirm Country of Origin (COO), process customized and special orders, run stock and back order analyses, lead stock counts, and support audits (internal and SOX). The role partners closely with dealers, technical teams, Regional Account Managers (RAM), suppliers, and logistics providers to ensure availability, compliance, cost efficiency, and service excellence.
Key Responsibilities (Hands on Execution) IT Infrastructure Coordination- Cope with IT department to develop new Lotus IT system for spare parts business
- Coordinate with IT department to enhance the existing systems, to fix known issues or prevent potential systemic problems to happen
- Execute day to day import/export transactions; prepare and verify shipping and customs documents.
- Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and warehouses to achieve on time, in full (OTIF) deliveries.
- Track shipments, resolve holds/discrepancies, and control logistics costs.
- Maintain accurate HS codes and COO data for all parts; keep records and evidence for audits.
- Answer dealer/internal queries on HS/COO and support preferential origin/duty questions as required.
- Monitor regulatory changes and update master data accordingly.
- Process customized and non standard orders end to end, including feasibility checks and lead time confirmation.
- Work with engineering, suppliers, and planning to secure parts availability and quality.
- Provide transparent cost/lead time to stakeholders and proactively communicate risks.
- Identify tangible cost reductions in freight, duties, packaging, and inventory holding.
- Consolidate shipments, optimise Incoterms (where applicable), and propose route/carrier improvements.
- Support pricing/margin decisions through cost breakdowns and variance analysis.
- Operate and evidence key controls across order to cash, inventory, and trade compliance.
- Prepare audit samples, respond to findings, and implement corrective actions in a timely manner.
- Maintain process documentation (SOPs, work instructions, control matrices).
- Implement packaging optimisation initiatives to reduce damage, cube, and cost while improving sustainability.
- Validate packaging specs with suppliers and 3PLs; pilot and roll out changes with clear success metrics.
- Be the operational point of contact for dealers and RAM on parts availability, supersession, and application queries.
- Coordinate with technical teams to resolve product queries and quality concerns.
- Provide clear, proactive communications on ETAs, constraints, and workarounds.
- Own routine analytics: stock levels, back orders (BO), slow/obsolete items, and supersession mapping.
- Set and adjust stock parameters (min/max, reorder points) to balance service and cash.
- Drive actions to improve stock turns and fill rate; clear aged/obsolete inventory.
- Plan and execute cycle counts and annual counts with 3PL partners; investigate and close variances.
- Ensure compliance to count procedures and documentation standards.
ERP (e.g., SAP or similar), WMS/3PL portals, Excel (advanced), and basic Power BI or equivalent for operational reporting.
Qualifications & Experience- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or related field.
- Experience in parts/aftersales/logistics with hands on import/export and inventory control experience (automotive preferred).
- Working knowledge of EU customs processes, HS/COO, and Incoterms; experience in audit/SOX environments is a plus.
- Strong data skills (Excel), attention to detail, and bias for action; fluent English (additional EU languages a plus).
- Hands on ownership and continuous improvement mindset.
- Clear, proactive communication with cross functional partners and dealers.
- Problem solving under time pressure with strong compliance discipline.
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme access.
- Annual bonus - non contractual.
- Private Healthcare.
- Access to the Employee Car Ownership Scheme or mobility allowance depending on location.
- Group income protection based on length of service.
- Family Friendly policies.
- Exclusive Employee discount, wellbeing and recognition platform .
- Someone who can speak both Mandarin and English would be desirable for this role.
- This role will be working from our Coventry office OR Europe, regular travel to Europe will be required.
- Frequent travel might be required to visit different entities. Applicants must therefore possess the ability to travel freely without restrictions.
Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with a 75 year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world's first all electric hyper SUV, and in 2023 Emeya, our fully electric Hyper GT.
As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments during the interview process. If you require any special assistance or adjustments, please let us know in advance so we can ensure a fair and accessible interview experience. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive.