What does a Parts Manager do?
Parts Managers are responsible for inventory management and control for businesses that use or sell replacement parts, including car dealerships, construction companies and service centers. They work with suppliers to source necessary parts. If they work in a store where the general public can buy parts, they’re responsible for customer service, utilizing their sales skills. In this leadership role, the Parts Manager also supervises other employees in the parts department, including hiring and training.
Parts Manager skills and qualifications
A successful Parts Manager candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for the job duties, including:
- Sales and customer service skills if working with the general public
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Mathematical skills to help manage the inventory, pricing and estimates
- Problem-solving skills to deal with parts inventory issues
- Previous mechanic or car sales experience
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and sometimes loud environment
- Leadership skills to keep the parts department running smoothly
- Product knowledge to ensure they identify parts correctly and recommend the needed parts
Parts Manager experience requirements
The typical Parts Manager has extensive experience in the automotive industry, which might include work as a mechanic, auto body technician or car salesperson. Previous experience in a parts department, including work as an Assistant Parts Manager, equips the candidate with a strong background to handle the position. Sales, management and customer service experience is also useful. Most experience happens on the job, but some Parts Managers might complete certificate programs at tech schools that give them hands-on experience while they learn.
Parts Manager education and training requirements
Parts Manager careers don’t have standard education requirements, but some organizations might have education requirements higher than a high school diploma. This might include a one-year certificate from a technical school, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field.
A more common requirement is experience, including one to three years in automotive parts and one or more years of managerial experience. Many people work their way up within the service and parts departments to reach a manager position. A candidate might start as a sales associate in the parts department before working up to an Assistant Parts Manager and then a Parts Manager.
Parts Manager salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Parts Manager is $56,407 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and the company.
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Parts Manager job description FAQs
What qualities make a good Parts Manager?
A good Parts Manager can keep up in a loud, fast-paced, sometimes dirty environment. Good interpersonal skills are important since the Parts Manager often interacts with mechanics, service managers and customers. Being organized helps a Parts Manager keep the inventory neat and easy to find, and organization and attention to detail also help with recordkeeping. The candidate needs to juggle multiple tasks and problems at once to keep everything running smoothly between the parts department and other departments.
Who reports to a Parts Manager?
The Parts Manager serves as the head of the parts department, which means all staff in that department report to them. This might include sales associates, consultants, supervisors and an Assistant Parts Manager. Parts Managers hire and train staff members as well as provide day-to-day supervision and discipline. The Parts Manager also collaborates with other departments within the dealership or organization. They might work with the head of the body shop or service center to ensure they have the parts they need in stock.
What makes a good Parts Manager job description?
When writing a job description for your Parts Manager position, capture the culture of your organization to attract a Parts Manager that will complement it. Define any special certifications or auto-related experience you expect candidates to have. Explain all of the perks and benefits, especially those that are unique, such as car discounts. Keep your description clear and concise, so potential applicants can quickly scan it to see if they’re a good match for your opening.
What should you look for in a Parts Manager resume?
Look for a clear connection to the automotive industry. Ideally, a candidate should have previous experience in the parts department, but working as a mechanic can also give them a strong understanding of parts and how the parts department works. A strong candidate should have some supervisory or managerial experience since they’re responsible for running the department. Demonstrated math or inventory skills are important since managing the parts inventory is a major part of the job description.
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