Automotive Spare Parts Supervisor

Job Title: Automotive Spare Parts Supervisor

Reports to: Parts Manager / After-Sales Manager

Department: Parts & Inventory

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

The Automotive Spare Parts Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the spare parts department. This role involves managing inventory levels leading the parts team ensuring accurate stock control and maintaining high customer satisfaction. The supervisor acts as the bridge between technicians service advisors external customers and suppliers ensuring the right parts are available at the right time to minimize vehicle downtime.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations & Team Management

Supervise Staff: Lead train and schedule a team of parts advisors and warehouse staff. Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching to improve team efficiency.

Workflow Optimization: Oversee the receipt storage and issuance of parts. Ensure the parts counter and warehouse are organized clean and safe (compliant with OSHA/safety regulations).

Inter-departmental Collaboration: Work closely with the Service Department to ensure technicians receive parts promptly reducing waiting on parts time.

2. Inventory Control & Logistics

Stock Management: Monitor inventory levels using management software (e.g. CDK SAP Reynolds & Reynolds). Perform regular cycle counts and annual stock audits to maintain accuracy.

Ordering & Procurement: Analyze sales data to forecast demand. Place daily stock orders and emergency orders for out-of-stock items ensuring a balance between availability and minimizing obsolescence.

Returns & Claims: Manage the return of core parts to the manufacturer and process warranty claims for defective parts.

3. Sales & Customer Service

Customer Support: Handle escalated customer inquiries or complaints regarding part availability pricing or compatibility.

Profitability: Assist in setting pricing strategies to maximize gross profit margins while remaining competitive. Identify up-selling opportunities for accessories and maintenance items.

Vendor Relations: Negotiate with local suppliers for aftermarket parts when OEM parts are unavailable or cost-prohibitive.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Inventory Turn Rate: Maintaining a healthy turnover ratio (typically 4-6 times/year).

Fill Rate: Percentage of parts requests filled immediately from stock (target >90%).

Obsolescence: Keeping dead stock (parts not sold in 12 months) below a set percentage.

Lost Sales: Tracking missed opportunities due to stockouts.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Experience:

Education: High School Diploma or GED required. A degree in Automotive Management Logistics or Business Administration is a plus.

Experience: 35 years of experience in automotive parts (dealership or aftermarket) with at least 1 year in a leadership or supervisory role.

Technical Skills:

Automotive Knowledge: Deep understanding of vehicle mechanics parts cataloging (EPC) and compatibility.

Software Proficiency: Experience with DMS (Dealership Management Systems) such as CDK Drive Reynolds & Reynolds Dealertrack or SAP. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for reporting.

Soft Skills:

Leadership: Ability to motivate a team and manage conflict.

Organization: Strong attention to detail to prevent inventory shrinkage.

Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers and vendors.