Fives Group is a globally renowned industrial engineering company with worldwide operations in more than 30 countries. Fives Group designs and supplies machines, process equipment and production lines for the world’s largest industrials including the aluminium, steel, glass, automotive, aerospace, logistics, cement, minerals, energy and sugar sectors. Within Fives, the Aluminium business line is specialised in the design and supply of process equipment and the management of complete installations in the three sectors of the Aluminium industry, namely Carbon, Reduction and Casthouse. Fives provides industrial solutions and associated services that meet customers’ needs and requirements in terms of performance, product quality and environmental footprint.

Primary Purpose

The Spare Parts Manager reports to the Customer Relations Manager and manages 6 subordinates.  The primary purpose of this role is to define and implement the company’s purchasing strategy; supply chain management; and to lead the sales activities required to provide effective supply and services to our clients. This position also plays an integral part in ensuring the growth of the spare parts revenue as well as the increase of the customer service levels.

This position is key for the increase of our turnover and therefore of our profitability by increasing our customer satisfaction.

Spare Parts function

Oversee the sales function for spare parts and implement a process roadmap to fulfil customer demand. Budgeting and forecasting order intake with a roadmap plan in support of the same. Establish and review fixed pricing and framework agreements for spare parts and repairs.   Establish and monitor related KPI’s and attend to concerns and implement improvements. Stays up to date on competition and market offerings. Oversee the expediting of all customer orders. Manage customer relationships with regular progress updates on quote queries and expediting queries and to build long-term sustainable business partnerships.

Procurement and Supply function

Oversee and monitor supplier database. Develop suppliers to reach our needs in terms of quality, price, lead time, confidentiality. Together with QA/QC, source manufacturing suppliers required to perform outsourced work. Pre-qualify suppliers/contractors, adding to database once approved, as required. Conduct site visits of prospective suppliers. Ensure assembly and sub-assembly items are priced correctly on SAP. Oversee the expediting of all supply orders. Assist finance with supplier related payment queries. Ensure compliance with BBBEE (suppliers and spend).

Logistics function

Manage the Logistics function and organise all transportation of spare parts from overseas suppliers to the end customer with all necessary documentation (commercial invoice, clearing documents…). Work closely with agents to expedite deliveries, and with customers, on deliveries of larger items to site, to prevent unnecessary double handling. Ensure that incoterms are strictly monitored and maintained. Ensure transport budget is adhered to.

General duties:

Ensure all departmental procedures are maintained, kept up-to-date and adhered to. Support and guide the teams in order to reach sales objectives and improve KPI’s by setting up goals for each individual and providing the necessary support and guidance. Ensure all weekly and monthly reports to customers and business are submitted on time.

Education and Experience:

Tertiary Qualification (at least N.Dip. level) in either mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering fields, with experience in sales and customer account management. Marketing, Commerce or Business-related qualification (Diploma/Degree), with experience in a technical / engineering sales environment will be beneficial. Strong leadership experience. Must have at least 5 years’ experience in business development, customer management, procurement, sales or related field. Supply chain management and or Warehouse management experience will be advantageous. Exposure and conceptual understanding of contract law and pricing. Analytical skills. SAP. Knowledge of aluminium smelter / heavy industry process equipment will be beneficial.