Retail Parts Manager

About the role

The Retail Parts Manager is responsible for the overall management of the Parts Department, including retail and wholesale parts sales, inventory management, purchasing, vendor relationships, pricing, profitability, and customer satisfaction. This position provides leadership to the Parts Department team while working closely with Service, Sales, Rental, and Operations to ensure parts availability and efficient business operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Parts Department personnel.
• Foster a culture focused on accountability, teamwork, urgency, and customer satisfaction.
• Conduct regular employee coaching, performance evaluations, and development planning.
• Establish measurable departmental goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Promote a safe, organized, and professional work environment.
• Manage daily retail parts sales operations.
• Absorb customers in identifying the correct replacement parts.
• Resolve customer concerns quickly and professionally.
• Maintain strong relationships with key customers and suppliers.
• Oversee special orders and ensure timely communication with customers regarding order status.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels while maximizing inventory turns.
• Forecast inventory demand based on historical usage and business trends.
• Monitor stocking levels to minimize shortages and excess inventory.
• Conduct regular cycle counts and annual physical inventories.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through proper receiving, labeling, storage, and issuing procedures.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Manage obsolete inventory reduction initiatives.
• Ensure inventory is properly organized and stored.
• Source parts from approved vendors.
• Negotiate pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Manage departmental gross profit margins.
• Develop pricing strategies that maximize profitability while remaining competitive.
• Monitor departmental expenses.
• Analyze inventory carrying costs and recommend improvements.
• Prepare departmental reports and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with Service Department personnel to ensure parts availability for scheduled repairs.
• Cook with Sales and Rental Departments regarding equipment preparation.
• Ensure all received parts are inspected for quality and accuracy.
• Process damaged or incorrect parts immediately.
• Maintain pending credits at zero whenever possible.
• Monitor outstanding purchase orders and follow up with vendors as needed.
• Ensure all departmental procedures are consistently followed.

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years of Parts Department experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong inventory management experience.
• Experience with dealership management systems or ERP software.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.