From Automotive Retailing Today...
Job Definition
Parts managers accomplish their objectives through the use of proper purchasing procedures, inventory control, staff utilization, security, pricing, merchandising, display and advertising.
As with all positions with dealerships, parts managers are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards.
Job Duties
Duties of a parts manager include:
- Properly staffing the department, which includes hiring, training, motivating and monitoring the performance of all parts department staff.
- Maintaining an orderly workplace.
- Creating and overseeing an annual operating budget for the parts department.
- Working with the service department, collision repair shop and wholesale account representatives to ensure inventory is available when needed.
- Establishing competitive pricing specifications in various categories while generating sufficient profits and maintaining high customer satisfaction.
- Determining appropriate inventory levels while ensuring periodic parts turnover.
- Adjusting stock to curtail accumulation of unused or old parts.
- Confirming that parts are appropriately coded so the dealership can claim a complete refund for unused factory stock.
- Reviewing sales figures, costs and stock monthly to ensure budget benchmarks are met.
Job Requirements
Parts managers should have at least one year of supervisory experience and one year of experience in an automotive parts department. Sales experience is also an important characteristic.
Management personnel require strong communication skills to deal with customers, employees and vendors. Managers are required to maintain the profitability of a department while controlling expenses and maintaining customer satisfaction.
Managers are required to not only understand and keep abreast of the federal, state, and local regulations that affect their operations.
People working within the automotive industry may have to work extended hours, evenings and weekends to achieve their goals.
Education Requirements
Parts managers should possess a bachelor's degree. Candidates with a background in business administration and marketing are strongly preferred.
An automotive technology background is valuable for many parts department careers.
A background with business and automotive classes is useful.
Career Path
Parts managers can become the fixed operations director of a dealership with experience in the service department and body shop.
Salary Range
The average annual earnings of parts managers are approximately $47,000 to $75,000. Earnings vary depending on experience, and the dealer's geographic location and size.
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Benefits
Benefits vary by employer, but most dealerships offer on site training, health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefit options. Talk with the specific dealer human resource manager about benefit packages.
Physical Demands
Working in the automotive industry can be physically demanding. Certain positions require employees to spend most of their workday on their feet and to carry heavy and awkwardly sized items. A reasonable level of physical fitness and flexibility is beneficial.
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