Parts Advisor

The Parts Advisor plays a pivotal role in the Boater’s World Parts Department, contributing significantly to the customer experience by efficiently and accurately managing parts inventory, assisting in the receiving process, and providing exceptional service to both internal and external customers. This senior-level position oversees the parts department operations, ensures accurate inventory management, and coordinates parts ordering, receiving, and delivery processes. The Parts Advisor is expected to lead by example, mentor junior staff, and ensure a seamless workflow in parts inventory and customer service.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Parts Stock Room:

• Oversee daily receiving of all inbound parts invoices, ensuring the correct costs, quantities, and part numbers are entered into the Dealership Management System (DMS).
• Manage and assign received stock parts to the correct bin location and ensure they are properly labeled.
• Directly oversee service parts being received, ensuring they are labeled and assigned to the correct repair order (RO), and communicate their arrival to the Service Department.
• Ensure Special Order (SO) customer parts are labeled correctly, notifying customers of arrival, and updating the DMS with dates and times of contact.
• Stage SO parts for customer pick-up and manage parts returns to manufacturers per applicable guidelines.
• Conduct weekly cycle counts to ensure inventory accuracy and resolve any discrepancies.
• Collaborate closely with the Accounting Department to ensure the accuracy of inventory counts and costs.

Parts Counter:

• Assist customers, both internal and external, by finding parts and accessories quickly and accurately.
• Actively suggest complementary and add-on products to increase profit per customer.
• Generate special orders for non-stocked items based on customer requests.
• Notify customers of backorders and incoming special orders.
• Enter customer information and sales data into the DMS.
• Maintain an organized and tidy workspace suitable for public view and oversee product merchandising in the retail area.
• Assist with processing and submitting vendor orders as required by the Parts Department Manager.
• Perform weekly inventory tasks and assist with stock shelf replenishment.
• Ensure all customer transactions are handled promptly, including processing daily reports and the occasional till reconciliation.

Customer Service:

• Provide a friendly, welcoming greeting to every customer and inquire about their needs.
• Actively engage with customers and ensure prompt, professional assistance.
• Answer incoming telephone calls, providing information or transferring calls using best practices.
• Foster a positive customer rapport and turn an upset customer into a loyal one through excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Leadership & Mentoring:

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior parts advisors, assisting with training and helping them develop their skills.
• Lead by example in terms of customer service and operational efficiency.
• Ensure the team adheres to company policies, safety standards, and inventory management procedures.

Other Duties:

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience with parts inventory management, receiving and shipping parts, and customer service in an automotive or marine-related retail environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; further technical or business education is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Proficient in using DMS systems for parts ordering, receiving, and sales processing.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to manage and resolve difficult situations.
• Basic mathematical skills to ensure accuracy in inventory and transactions.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to mentor and train junior staff.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds and perform physical tasks such as kneeling, bending, and reaching.
• Must be willing to work on weekends and potentially beyond 40 hours during peak periods.

Working Conditions

• Retail environment with regular Saturday shifts required.
• Occasional overtime may be required during peak periods.
• Work will involve standing for extended periods and moving inventory items.

Physical Requirements:

• Extensive use of a computer monitor and keyboard.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Routine kneeling, bending, and reaching to high or low shelves.