The parts managers' role is very important part of the business. The role includes managing the parts department budget in term of stock, (parts kept on the shelf in store and promotional stock in the shop which may include tools, spare parts and toys). They will also be responsible for staff involved with the parts department, apprentices, trainees, qualified parts people and senior parts staff.
Parts managers will be required to work with directors or owners of the business to discuss business plans, targets and stocking rates and levels. Working closely with repair workshops making sure there is good communication between departments when dealing with customer requirements for parts when machines break down and for machines owned by business which is being made ready for sale.
One of the most important parts of any agricultural dealership is the parts department in terms of profitability. Parts are sold to the business to repair to new and second hand goods being made ready for sale and to supply customers who need replacement parts for existing machines and sundries such as draw bar pins, spring clips, hydraulic couplings, tolls etc. Therefore the parts department is a very busy and extensive department in terms of turn over and profit. Keeping the cost down is an important part of the parts managers role. Managing the flow of stock is paramount to the success of the business. Therefore stock on the shelves need to be turned over as quick as possible, all stock needs to be accounted for and charged out where possible.
Parts / Stopres Managers working within a multi branch business may need to travel to all branches to make sure targets and stock control is being managed correctly and meeting agreed target levels.
The parts department is the heart of the dealership business , so working with sales and service management teams is an important part of the day to day activity in terms of meeting the needs of each department requirements for spare parts service. Attending monthly management meetings and carrying out staff appraisals is an important part of the role.
Parts/ Stores Managers are responsible for making sure that the stores team work with internal customer (service department and sales team) in all areas of activity. A key function of their role is the ordering and supply of products and services to ensure that all customers needs for spare parts and products are met on time at the agreed cost.
Salary levels vary widely depending on experience and on the employing organisation. Parts/Stores Managers can expect to earn between £35,000-45,000
- Propose solutions to meet customers’ technical requirements
- Liaise with manufactures on Land-based machinery technical issues
- Take key decisions
- Purchase products or services for the land-based organisation
- Manage a budget
- Help customers to overcome their queries and objections
- Present proposals and quotations for the supply of products and services
- Present information & arguments on the benefits of using the organisation for the supply of products
- Provide financial forecasts
- Manage the cash flow of the business
- Resolve customer disputes
- Market the organisation's products and services
- Negotiation skills
- Develop new strategies, policies and plans to deliver products and services
- Computer Skills
- Business and Selling Skills
- Management / Leadership Skills
- Planning / Organizing Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Work in a team / with others
- Work on your own
- Customer Care / People Skills
- Mediation / Negotiation Skills
- Financial Management Skills
There are a variety of qualifications and training courses that can help you:
- find employment
- improve your current skills
- gain promotion
These positions generally need some form of experience within the trade or associated industry or through working experience in workshops or in Sales.
Most opportunities will come from working for all sizes of business, but progress to directorship access would be better working for larger dealerships within the industry
For further information on careers in the sector you can find additional information from the following organisations and publications:
Industry Information
Publications:
- A World of Opportunity (Careertrack)