Parts Manager Career Information
The role of Parts Manager is crucial to the daily operations of an auto dealership, especially one with a service center. These experts are responsible for keeping the service center fully stocked with vital components for routine maintenance and a wide range of repair needs. Plus, these managers often take inventory and help technicians decide which parts to keep on-site.
Let's dive into detail about what a Parts Manager is expected to do and why it can be such a rewarding career for you. Plus, you'll learn more about job requirements and salary information. After reading, fill out an application on our DARCARS Careers website or contact our HR department with any questions.
Parts Manager Job Description & Responsibilities
A Parts Manager is responsible for the parts inventory at a dealership. These professionals work closely with other department heads and staff members to ensure there are enough components on-site to complete the necessary tasks by the service center. Some of the most common parts that need to be closely tracked include:
- Oil filters
- Brake pads
- Tires
- Wheels
- Cabin air filters
- Interior and exterior light bulbs and casings
Parts Manager responsibilities may include ordering supplies, as well, such as motor oil, cleaning items like clothes and paper napkins, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and other consumables.
A Parts Manager may also be responsible for stocking some common accessories for a range of the dealership's vehicles. However, some customers may want to order accessories that a dealership does not have in stock. In that case, the Parts Manager may be called to make the custom order. When it arrives, the manager will then contact the customer to let them know the new accessory has arrived, and they can bring their vehicle into the service center to have it installed.
In addition to keeping the parts department fully stocked with the necessary materials, a Parts Manager will also be responsible for keeping track of how often some parts are used, stocking up on parts with low quantities, and managing schedules to ensure customers have a resource during all normal business hours. A Parts Manager will also be responsible for ordering new shipments of required components and restocking the inventory to prevent running out of necessary pieces. They may be called upon to pair a customer with the right part for their vehicle and ensure all the customer's vehicle parts needs are cared for in a timely manner.
Ideal Skills for the Role
Becoming a Parts Manager will mean interacting with a lot of other people to create lists of needed supplies and parts. Because of this need, Parts Manager positions are typically best for those with excellent organizational skills. They will likely need to keep count of their current inventory using an organizational method that works best for themselves and the team. Plus, they'll also need to have a cohesive way to add parts to their inventory, as needed by the service staff and sales advisors.
Like managers in other fields or departments, these professionals will typically need to exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills since they will likely need to meet with other managers to get insight into needed inventory. Additionally, these experts will need to be able to problem-solve as part of a team and showcase an excellent ability to work individually and together with others.
Parts Manager Education, Certifications & Experience
Although there is no education or degree required to become a Parts Manager, there are some fields that may make the position easier. Anyone coming from a background in project management or inventory management will likely do well in the role. A certification in any automotive-related or adjacent field will also help with understanding which components are appropriate for different needs.
At a minimum, a Parts Manager role may require a high school diploma. Some dealerships may prefer someone with a college degree in management or business to help with the organization-heavy aspects of the position. A background dealing with cars or in the automotive industry will likely be preferred.
There are no minimum years of experience needed for this role, but some locations may have a need for someone who already knows how to order parts, make lists of part numbers, and know the differences between certain components. Please be sure to include any experience in an automotive-related field on your application.
Parts Manager Careers: Salary Information
Those starting a career as a Parts Manager can expect industry-standard compensation with our DARCARS Automotive Group team. The salary can vary depending on the candidate's experience, the scope of the job responsibilities, and the expected duties. Full-time Parts Manager jobs can expect to have a higher salary than part-time employees since they work more. Always refer to the information outlined in the job posting to learn more about what the specific location and company offers.
To learn more about the Parts Manager salary, contact our HR department. Our representatives can help you understand more about the job responsibilities and compensation information.
Why Join Our DARCARS Automotive Group Staff: Benefits & Perks
When you choose to join our DARCARS Automotive team, you'll have the opportunity to be part of a close-knit team, with access to a range of perks that will make you enjoy your dealership Parts Manager position even more. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- Health, vision, and dental insurance coverage
- Life insurance coverage
- Retirement savings account options
- Generous paid time off
- On-the-job training and education advancement
- Growth and movement opportunities
In addition to all these benefits, you'll also be able to take advantage of employee discounts on your needed repairs, purchases, and maintenance tasks. For example, employees who want to outfit their vehicles with upgraded technology or accessories can get those components for a reduced cost. You may also be able to get your routine maintenance done at a reduced price, like oil changes, brake system repairs, and other care.
Plus, you'll also pick up a lot of beneficial information as an automotive Parts Manager. By learning more about different car parts, you may become more aware of certain maintenance tasks that can help you stay on top of your own vehicle's care. The more knowledge you gain, the bigger your career path can be – and the more you'll excel as a Parts Manager.
Apply to Join Our DARCARS Team as a Parts Manager
Still wondering why you should work at DARCARS Automotive Group? We take great pride in assembling teams of associates who are happy and love to make our customers happy, and our HR department is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the position and the DARCARS family. Review our guide on the responsibilities, required certifications, salary information, and more to get a clear idea of what we look forward to in our next Parts Manager. If you have the relevant experience, we want to hear from you.
Plus, when you join our team, you'll get more than a fulfilling career. You'll also get to take advantage of the benefits of working at DARCARS Automotive Group, like special discounts, a retirement savings account, and insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Parts Manager make?
The salary range for a Parts Manager varies depending on a few key factors like geographical location, the dealership hiring, and the scope of the role. Because there is so much variation in the role, the average salary for the role needs to be discussed on an individual basis. If you're interested in DARCARS Careers, you can read our job listings to learn more about the role.
What does a Parts Manager do?
A Parts Manager is a vital employee and helps keep normal operations running smoothly throughout the day by ensuring the parts inventory is fully stocked with required components for repairs and routine maintenance. When inventory gets low, or there is a request from the service center, a Parts Manager will order new parts, take a count of parts in stock, and provide customers with the correct components.
Is being a Parts Manager a good career?
Becoming a Parts Manager is a rewarding step on a great career path and can open many doors in project management or other organizational or administrative roles. A Parts Manager also has in-depth knowledge about different automotive components, which can help with movement into other, more technical roles. You'll enjoy a wide range of perks and be part of an intelligent team that embraces career growth.
What are the goals of a Parts Manager?
When you become a Parts Manager, your main goal is to keep track of the current parts inventory and which parts are used most often. The main goal of a Parts Manager is to keep the parts department fully stocked and ensure there are enough components on-site to conduct routine maintenance and the most common repairs done by the service center.