A skilled parts manager can make your dealership highly successful. Their contributions in managing parts inventory and serving as a liaison between your salespeople and customers are instrumental in generating revenue while keeping costs down.
Even when supply chain issues or limited vehicle inventories deplete your projected sales, your service department still operates – often at full capacity. Parts and service departments must stay busy because idle shops don’t make money.
Hiring the right auto parts manager keeps your service department working at full capacity.
What your Dealership Needs when Hiring a Parts Manager
Working in a parts manager position requires no formal qualifications, but the candidate who takes on the role should have automotive aftermarket experience. You cannot afford to hire just anyone for the position. Knowing the difference between a catalytic converter and a clutch pivot stud – and how long they should stay in your parts inventory — is not for amateurs.
Before you hire anyone for this critical position, look for characteristics like these:
- Data-savvy
Understanding OEM programs and DMS reporting systems is dependent on a parts manager’s ability to gather and analyze data. Not only must this employee be able to disaggregate data, but also they must be comfortable in reaching out immediately for help if the data is not there.
- Knowing how to manage inventory
Inventory management is a skill. The parts manager must have a keen sense of which parts are used most frequently and which can be ordered when needed. Housing obsolete parts that no one will be able to sell will annihilate your bottom line. Waiting to order parts as needed can delay service, especially during a supply chain crisis, causing customers to turn elsewhere for maintenance and eventually, buying their next vehicle.
- Understanding the OEM program and identifying which parts to purchase first
Not all vehicle makes and models are created equal. Neither are their parts. Parts that move quickly can be purchased at a discount. However, not all parts should be purchased, even if they are discounted.
After all, how many tie rod adjusting sleeves for a 1976 Gremlin do you think you’ll be replacing?
- Adaptable and Flexible
To say that change is the only constant in life may be cliché, but your parts manager must be willing to adapt to change. Parts become obsolete, market conditions vary, and manufacturers issue recalls. All of these factors can affect which parts are stocked and how they’re priced. Your parts manager must not only keep up but stay ahead of the game!
The best way to find this manager is to recruit for these characteristics with an automotive recruiter. A great recruiter can be the difference-maker for your dealership.
So when you’re ready to have the recruitment team at Autopeople in your corner, give us a call at 1-800-659-9501, visit our website at www.autopeople.com or email us to discuss what Autopeople can do for you.