Parts Manager

Ideal Candidate:

Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with customers and to exceed their expectations
Ability to maintain proper parts inventory levels, to do proper posting, and to measure true turns
Ability to utilize computers and computer capabilities for inventory, recordkeeping, parts information, etc.
Knowledge of automotive systems in general
Ability to develop & follow action plans to ensure customer enthusiasm & Parts Department profitability
Ability to lead and train team members in Parts Department operations
Ability to establish and control inventory system
Knowledge of and ability to interpret inventory reports
Knowledge of parts pricing procedures
Knowledge of new models based on technical service bulletins and surveys
Leadership skills, including empowerment, coaching, organizing & planning and interpersonal sensitivity

The work of the Parts Manager:

Centers mainly on inventory control and customer relations.
Is a detail-oriented individual comfortable with inventory work and the computer analysis of inventories.
Must be people-oriented and willing and able to ask customers questions to ensure their enthusiasm.
Must be people-oriented and willing and able to ask customers questions to ensure their enthusiasm.
Must have a thorough insight into automotive systems in general and must have a working knowledge of which parts are most needed for specific models.
Must maintain a broad knowledge of the manufacturer's new and recent products.
Must have business savvy, as the Parts Department is an important source of profit for the dealership.
Must be capable of working independently, effectively managing his or her time and work flow.
Entails a considerable amount of walking, working with Parts Counterpersons and Technicians, and greeting customers.
Involves analyzing current inventory, spot-checking to ensure that actual inventory coincides with computerized inventory, checking on back orders, etc.
Requires working closely with other managers in the dealership, planning for the appropriate availability of parts and supplies and participating in forecasting and revising plans.
Involves ensuring that at least one other person in the department is knowledgeable about inventory requirements and ordering systems.

The Parts Manager:

Monitors the parts inventory and anticipates parts needs in light of future promotions, new model years, trends, and suggested stock orders.
Is responsible for the security of inventory and for analyzing the quality of parts.
Works with retail and wholesale customers in considering credit applications, handling complaints, and negotiating prices to ensure customer enthusiasm.
Is responsible for profit management in the Parts Department and must examine department financial statements, including expenses and revenue, to ensure the department's profitability.
In cooperation with the dealership’s management team, must review the previous month's sales/profit performance to determine where improvements can be made.
Must time inventory purchases to coincide with sales & special incentives in order to take advantage of savings.
Is responsible for training and leading the Parts Department team and reviewing team performance on a regular basis, according to dealership policy.