Meet ALEXANDER, our featured employee of the month from ATR!

We had the chance to engage in a brief Q&A session with Alexander Birnstein Birnstein, the General Manager of the Coordination Purchasing Department at ATR International AG . In this article, Alexander shares insights into his background, his journey in the Automotive Aftermarket, his company, and his current role.

ABOUT YOU

• Could you tell us a bit about your background? (Place of birth, age, education…)

My name is Alexander Birnstein. I was born and raised in the Stuttgart area and I am 41 years old. Before getting into this business area and starting my career at ATR, I studied business administration at University of Stuttgart.

ABOUT THE AFTERMARKET

• How would you describe the Aftermarket to someone who has never heard of this industry?

Before your car can undergo maintenance or repairs at your trusted workshop or by any other individual dedicated to keeping you mobile, a multitude of processes, individuals, and companies come into play to ensure that the technicians can effectively carry out their tasks. These processes and individuals are often hidden from the average car driver’s view. They encompass various aspects such as parts supply, lubricants, and chemicals, as well as equipping workshops with the necessary tools and equipment. Additionally, they involve providing mechanics with training on the latest technologies, furnishing them with parts catalogues and repair data, and much more. Furthermore, a considerable number of individuals are engaged in lobbying efforts, particularly in support of the independent aftermarket sector. Their focus is on promoting free and open trade, fair pricing, and the ability to offer appealing value-added services. Despite the trend towards increasing consolidation and standardization, the automotive industry remains fragmented, particularly on a global scale.

ABOUT YOU & THE AFTERMARKET

• How did you become aware of, and why did you choose the Aftermarket to work in?

I was fresh out of university and when I started at ATR, attracted by the opportunity to work in an international environment and the ability to learn more about supplier management and strategic purchasing activities, that fit quite well with my studies. However, I did not have a clue about the industry itself. Of course, I was familiar with independent garages and original parts, but I lacked insight into the expansive network of major distributors and most aftermarket suppliers. From the outset, it became apparent that this industry operates within a vast and dynamic world, characterized by diverse markets, brands, supplier organizations, sales channels, and an ever-evolving business landscape.

ABOUT YOUR COMPANY

• Which company are you working with & which type of job?

I work at ATR International AG which is an International Trading Group and cooperation of leading car parts distributors. Together we are able to consolidate and expand the competitive position of everyone involved through targeted purchasing and marketing strategies. Our aim is to encompass all continents, keep on expanding our services and enable independent garages to be competitive.

ABOUT YOUR JOB

• What’s your job title?

My title is General Manager of the Coordination Purchasing Department.

• How would you describe your job?

My task together with our team is to maintain a constant dialogue with our partners on the distributor and supplier side in order to develop long-term partnerships and a sustainable cooperation with the whole group, support the joint growth strategy and remove barriers.

• What do you fancy most in your job?

Right from the start, I was most enthusiastic about the international environment and the many different people you meet. Throughout the years it was also getting to know new business segments and companies that I haven’t dealt with before. In addition, the industry is constantly changing, which is both a challenge and an exciting task.*

ABOUT JOINING THE AFTERMARKET

• Why should somebody join this industry in your opinion?

Our industry is rich in variety and offers an exciting job for people who want to shape things and enjoy lifelong learning. Despite the complexity at the technical and organizational level, it is also a very familiar environment that rarely loses a member and in which long-term partnerships and friendships can be cultivated.