Built To Connect - Astec

Sr Parts Director – Strategy and Execution (Heavy Equipment).

Job Title
Sr Parts Director – Strategy and Execution (Heavy Equipment).
Job ID
27744904
Location
Chattanooga, TN,  
Other Location
Description
At Astec, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of building long-lasting relationships with our employees, customers and the communities we call home. With a team more than 4,000 strong, our employees are our #1 advantage. We invest in skills training and provide opportunities for career development to help you grow along with the business. We offer programs that support physical safety, as well as benefits and resources to enhance total health and wellbeing, so you can be your best at work and at home.

Our equipment is used to build the roads and infrastructure that connects us to each other and to the goods and services we use. We are an industry leader known for delivering innovative solutions that create value for our customers. As our industry evolves, we are using new technology and data like never before.

We’re looking for creative problem solvers to build the future with us. Connect with us today and build your career at Astec.

LOCATION: Chattanooga / Remote

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Senior Aftermarket Parts Director – Strategy and Execution (Heavy Equipment) is
responsible for the strategic leadership and operational oversight of the aftermarket parts
division, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and process optimization. This
senior leadership role drives growth, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction by
streamlining parts supply chains, leveraging technology, and implementing innovative
business practices. The director is tasked with managing a high-performing team,
transforming processes, and ensuring world-class service in support of the heavy
equipment aftermarket sector.

​​​​​
Deliverables & Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Process Transformation:
  • Develop and lead the execution of long-term strategies to optimize aftermarket parts operations, driving sales growth, efficiency improvements, and profitability.
  • Lead high-impact process improvement initiatives by leveraging lean management, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to identify inefficiencies and optimize performance across parts procurement, inventory management, and distribution.
  • Ensure alignment between aftermarket strategies and company goals, using data analytics to inform decision-making and measure performance improvement.
  • Drive innovation within the aftermarket parts division, adopting new technologies, business models, and process improvements to maintain a competitive edge.
  • Collaborate with the VP of Parts to develop and implement long-term strategic plans that align with organizational goals.
  • Monitor progress toward strategic objectives, adjusting tactics as necessary to meet evolving market conditions.

2. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement:
  • Oversee aspects of the aftermarket parts supply chain, including supplier management and inventory control, ensuring optimal performance, cost-efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Lead efforts to improve the parts procurement process, reducing lead times, lowering costs, and minimizing obsolescence while maintaining high parts availability.
  • Implement cutting-edge ERP and inventory management systems to enhance real-time visibility and control over stock levels, orders, and parts demand forecasting.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring the team actively identifies process bottlenecks and introduces solutions to enhance operational flow.
  • Oversee the implementation and management of CRM systems to ensure accurate tracking of customer interactions, sales activities, and pipeline management.
  • Drive best practices for CRM usage within the sales team, providing training and support to ensure effective utilization.


3. Sales Growth & Business Development:
  • Drive revenue growth by developing innovative aftermarket sales programs, pricing strategies, and promotional initiatives that capture new market segments and expand the company’s market share.
  • Identify and capitalize on opportunities to introduce new product lines, remanufactured parts, and service packages tailored to the needs of the heavy equipment industry.
  • Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to design and launch customer loyalty programs, maintenance contracts, and extended warranties that increase customer retention and parts sales.
 
  • Conduct ongoing market research to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitive dynamics.
  • Analyze competitor strategies and performance to identify opportunities for differentiation and growth.
  • Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and customer feedback to ensure the aftermarket parts division remains a leader in the heavy equipment industry.
  • Design and execute targeted sales strategies for both direct and dealer sales channels, focusing on customer acquisition, retention, and revenue growth.
  • Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure sales effectiveness and implement initiatives to optimize sales performance.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with dealer partners, providing them with the tools and support needed to drive sales.

4. Customer Satisfaction & Service Excellence:
  • Foster a customer-first mentality within the parts division, ensuring world-class service in parts availability, timely delivery, and problem resolution.
  • Develop and monitor customer feedback channels to proactively identify service gaps, ensuring continuous improvement in customer support, parts delivery times, and overall satisfaction.
  • Collaborate with field service teams to ensure seamless integration between parts operations and service delivery, supporting the full lifecycle of customer equipment needs.

5. Financial Oversight & Cost Control:
  • Take ownership of the financial performance of the aftermarket parts division, managing budgets, forecasting revenue, and controlling costs to maximize profitability.
  • Implement financial controls, such as optimized stock levels, vendor cost negotiations, and rebate programs, to drive profitability without sacrificing service levels.
  • Perform regular financial analysis, tracking sales performance, inventory costs, and operational efficiency to identify areas for cost savings and profit optimization.
  • Develop robust reporting systems that provide full visibility into financial performance and ensure alignment with corporate financial goals.

6. Team Leadership & Development:
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a large, cross-functional team of parts managers, warehouse
personnel, procurement specialists, and sales professionals.
  • Set clear performance goals, provide coaching, and facilitate professional development
  • opportunities to ensure continuous growth and improvement within the team.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ensuring the team consistently meets or exceeds performance metrics.
  • Encourage an environment of innovation, where team members feel empowered to propose and implement new ideas for improving operational e=iciency and customer service.

7. Supplier & Vendor Relationship Management:
  • Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with OEMs and third-party parts suppliers, ensuring consistent, high-quality parts sourcing.
  • Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, balancing cost efficiency with reliable parts availability to support the full range of heavy equipment brands.
  • Work closely with suppliers to introduce new products, remanufactured parts, and technological upgrades that improve aftermarket offerings and customer satisfaction.
  • Implement supplier performance metrics to ensure adherence to quality standards, delivery times, and pricing agreements.

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:
            Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field (MBA preferred).
  • 10+ years of experience in aftermarket parts management, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role focused on process improvement within the heavy equipment industry.
  • Proven track record of implementing process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) to enhance operational performance and efficiency.
  • Deep understanding of heavy equipment parts, service operations, and aftermarket supply chains, including familiarity with brands such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere, etc.
  • Strong leadership and team development experience, with a demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams and drive results.
  • Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, P&L, and cost control strategies.
  • Expertise in ERP systems, inventory management, and supply chain optimization technologies.
  • Microsoft Office Skills
  • Project Management
       
        Desired Skills:
  • Extensive knowledge of aftermarket parts sales, including pricing strategies, promotions, and customer engagement programs.
  • Experience managing complex vendor relationships, including contract negotiations, performance tracking, and supplier partnerships.
  • Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities, with the ability to use metrics and KPIs to guide strategic initiatives.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and customer demands, with a continuous improvement mindset.

Our Culture and Values
Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.
  • Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
  • Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
  • Respect for all individuals
  • Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
  • Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success

Travel Requirements: Regular travel, regional, international

NOTE: This position responsible for certain internal control responsibilities.  These internal control responsibilities are verbally communicated to the incumbent and periodic feedback is provided as it relates to the performance of these internal control responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Office
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of injury in an office environment and occasionally a manufacturing shop plant environment.  Duties include a typical office setting including extensive computer work, sitting or standing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.
 

Option 1: Create a New Profile