Parts Business Manager - (12 month contractor)

Lotus UK; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lotus Cars seeks a contractor to lead the parts business across Europe from Amsterdam/Schiphol area. You will manage daily import/export flows, classify HS codes, confirm COO, and handle customized orders while coordinating with dealers, RAM, suppliers, and logistics partners to ensure availability and cost efficiency.

The role covers stock analysis, audits (SOX), and continuous improvement of packaging, data reporting, and IT systems supporting spare parts.

Qualifications

• 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).

Responsibilities

• End-to-end execution of the parts business across Europe, including import/export transactions.
• Maintain HS codes and COO data; support audits and regulatory changes.
• Process customized and non-standard orders; coordinate with engineers, suppliers, and planning.
• Consolidate shipments, optimize Incoterms, and analyze cost implications.
• Plan and perform stock counts; manage inventory accuracy and supersession mapping.
• Liaise with dealers, RAM, and logistics providers to ensure service levels.

Skills

Import/Export operations

HS code knowledge

COO knowledge

Stock analysis

Data analysis

Dealers liaison

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Fluent English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

SAP

WMS

Power BI

Excel

Job description

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, contractor role, on-going, based in the Schipol area.

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 and 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 existing systems, to fix known issues or prevent potential systemic problems to happen

Import & Export Operations (EU & non-EU)

• 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.

HS Code Classification & COO Support

• 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.

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, optimize 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 optimization 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

• 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.

Inventory, Stock Analysis & Supersession

• 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.

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, 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).

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.

Additional Information:

• Someone who can speak both Mandarin and English would be desirable for this role.
• This role will be working from Amsterdam / Netherlands (Schipol area), with occasional travel to Coventry.
• Frequent travel might be required to visit different entities. Applicants must therefore possess the ability to travel freely without restrictions.

Our Company:

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're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organization. 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.

Do you want to know what Sophisticated, Rebellious and Pioneering mean for Lotus? Come and take a look at our career site and join the incredible adventure: