Parts Business Manager - 12 month contract in Coventry

Lotus Cars builds world‑class, high‑performance and lightweight sports cars sold worldwide.

Parts Business Manager – Lotus Europe

This hands‑on role is responsible for the end‑to‑end execution of the parts business across Europe.

It includes daily import/export flows (EU and non‑EU), HS code classification, country of origin confirmation, customized and special order processing, stock and back‑order analysis, stock counts, and audit support.

Key Responsibilities (Hands‑on Execution)

• IT Infrastructure Coordination
• Cooperate with the IT department to develop a Lotus IT system for spare parts business.
• Coordinate with IT to enhance existing systems, fix issues, and prevent potential systemic problems.
• Import & Export Operations (EU & non‑EU)
• Execute day‑to‑day import/export transactions and prepare 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.
• HS Code Classification & COO Support
• Maintain accurate HS codes and COOs for all parts and keep records and evidence for audits.
• Answer dealer and internal queries on HS/COO and support preferential origin/duty questions as needed.
• Monitor regulatory changes and update master data accordingly.
• Customised Orders & Special Parts
• 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.
• Cost Improvement & Optimization
• 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.
• Audit, Internal Control & SOX
• 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).
• Packaging Projects
• 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.
• Dealer / Technical / RAM Liaison
• Serve as 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.
• Inventory, Stock Analysis & Supersession
• Own routine analytics: stock levels, back orders, 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.
• Stock Count & Inventory Accuracy
• Plan and execute cycle counts and annual counts with 3PL partners; investigate and close variances.
• Ensure compliance to count procedures and documentation standards.

Tools & Systems: ERP (e. g., SAP or similar), WMS/3PL portals, advanced Excel, 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 (automotive preferred).
• Working knowledge of EU customs processes, HS/COO, and Incoterms; audit/SOX experience is a plus.
• Strong data skills, attention to detail, bias for action; fluent English (additional EU languages a plus).
• Core Competencies
• 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.

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
• Pension scheme access.
• Annual bonus (non‑contractual).
• Private healthcare.
• 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.
• Additional Information
• A person who can speak Mandarin and English would be desirable.
• The role will be based at our Coventry office or in Europe; regular travel to Europe will be required.
• Frequent travel may be required to visit different entities. Applicants must be able to travel freely without restrictions.
• Diversity & Inclusion

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.

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