Operations & Support Manager - Spare Parts & Cutting Tools

This rols is responsible for the overall management and optimization of local China specific spare parts and cutting tools operations to ensure high customer satisfaction, inventory availability, operational efficiency, and profitability. For cutting tools, global distribution will also be focus area. The role leads a team of approximately 5-6 employees and is accountable for inventory management, order fulfillment, procurement, pricing, logistics, supplier coordination, and continuous process improvement across the spare parts and tools business.

The position acts as the central interface between customers, service organizations, suppliers, logistics providers, finance, and internal business functions to support operational excellence and sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Inventory Management

• Define and implement inventory strategies to achieve target service levels while optimizing working capital.
  Monitor inventory performance, stock turnover, obsolescence, and fill rates.
  Lead forecasting, demand planning, and replenishment activities.
  Ensure accuracy of inventory records through regular audits and cycle counting.
  Develop actions to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
  2. Spare Parts & Cutting Tools Order Management
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of customer orders.
  Monitor order fulfillment performance and delivery reliability.
  Manage backlog, order prioritization, and escalation processes.
  Coordinate closely with service, sales, and customers to ensure high customer satisfaction.
  Establish and maintain effective order management processes and KPIs.
  3. Procurement & Strategic Buying (focus on cutting tools)
• Lead procurement activities for spare parts and tools.
  Negotiate with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, service levels, and commercial conditions.
  Identify alternative local sourcing strategies to reduce risk and improve competitiveness.
  Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions where required.
  Support supplier development and cost-reduction initiatives.
  4. Pricing & Commercial Support (CSSR)
• Develop and maintain spare parts and tools pricing strategies.
  Conduct market and profitability analyses to optimize margins.
  Ensure consistency and governance of pricing policies.
  Support commercial teams with quotations, customer offers, and pricing recommendations.
  Monitor business performance and identify opportunities for revenue growth.
  5. Logistics & Distribution Management
• Oversee inbound and outbound logistics operations.
  Ensure efficient warehousing, transportation, and customs compliance where applicable.
  Optimize logistics costs while maintaining customer service levels.
  Manage relationships with logistics service providers and freight partners.
  Drive continuous improvement in delivery performance and operational efficiency.

6. Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and performance dashboards.
  Drive process standardization and digitalization initiatives.
  Identify and implement opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
  Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and legal requirements.
  Lead cross-functional projects aimed at improving operational performance.
  7. Team Leadership & People Management
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of approximately 5-6 employees.
  Define clear objectives, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
  Foster a customer-focused and results-oriented culture.
  Conduct performance reviews and support employee development plans.
  Ensure appropriate resource planning and workload balancing.
  Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Inventory turnover
  Inventory accuracy
  Service level / parts availability
  On-time delivery performance
  Order fulfillment lead time
  Supplier delivery performance
  Procurement savings
  Gross margin of spare parts business
  Working capital performance
  Customer satisfaction
  Team engagement and performance
  Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
  Advanced degree or professional certifications are advantageous.
  Experience
• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in spare parts, aftermarket, supply chain, procurement, logistics, or operations management.
  Proven leadership experience managing teams.
  Experience in inventory planning, procurement, and logistics operations.
  Strong commercial understanding, including pricing and profitability management.
  Experience within industrial, manufacturing, automotive, machinery, or equipment-related industries preferred.
  Required Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Supply Chain Management
  Inventory Planning and Control
  Procurement & Supplier Management
  Spare Parts Operations
  Pricing & Profitability Analysis
  Logistics & Distribution Management
  ERP Systems (SAP preferred)
  Data Analytics and KPI Management
  Leadership Competencies
• Strategic Thinking
  Decision Making
  Team Leadership
  Cross-functional Collaboration
  Change Management
  Continuous Improvement Mindset
  Customer Orientation
  Results Focus
  Reporting Structure

Reports To: BLM MeCu

Direct Reports:
5-6 FTEs across:

• Spare Parts Planning
  Order Management
  Procurement / Buying
  Logistics Coordination
  Pricing & Administration
  Purpose of the Role

To ensure the efficient, profitable, and customer-focused management of the Spare Parts & Tools business by leading operational execution, inventory optimization, procurement activities, logistics performance, pricing governance, and team development while supporting the company's aftermarket growth