Parts Manager

Crowley-Car-Company-; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

North County Ford is seeking an experienced, hands-on Parts Manager to lead our Parts Department in California. This leadership role requires a proven track record in profitable parts operations, strong integrity, and a hands-on approach to daily management.

You will oversee purchasing, inventory controls, pricing, and wholesale/retail support while building a high-performing team focused on profitability and customer service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 3 years of full-time automotive parts department experience; significantly more preferred.
• Valid California driver's license and ability to maintain insurability.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management and basic accounting principles.
• Experience with dealership parts management systems, CDK, and Microsoft Office preferred.
• Strong understanding of dealership parts operations including inventory management, purchasing, wholesale, retail, service support, and financial performance.
• Ford or other domestic-brand experience strongly preferred.
• Strong business and financial acumen—you understand the numbers and know what they mean.
• A hands-on leadership style and willingness to get involved in the operation when needed.
• Exceptional ethics and integrity; ability to address problems directly and hold people accountable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Parts Department with a focus on profitability, efficiency, customer service, and operational excellence.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, pricing, returns, shipping/receiving, wholesale operations, and delivery with strong controls.
• Analyze financial and operational performance, manage expenses, and develop business plans to improve profitability.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop employees and managers, setting clear expectations and accountability.
• Address performance and operational issues promptly with clear, professional communication.

Skills

Leadership

Inventory management

Financial acumen

Communication

Operational excellence

Team development

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CDK

Microsoft Office

Job description

North County Ford is seeking an experienced, hands-on Parts Manager to lead our Parts Department. We are looking for a proven leader who understands the parts business, knows how to run a large and profitable operation, and leads with a high level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who is comfortable being involved in the day-to-day operation while maintaining a clear focus on the bigger picture. The right candidate knows the numbers, understands what drives profitability, and knows how to build a strong team that consistently delivers results.

Compensation: $140k to $240k+ Compensation range includes base salary and bonus. Bonus dependent on department performance.

What You'll Do

• Lead the Parts Department with a focus on profitability, efficiency, customer service, and operational excellence.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, pricing, returns, shipping/receiving, wholesale operations, and delivery, with strong inventory controls and a focus on maximizing turnover and minimizing excess inventory.
• Know the numbers: analyze financial and operational performance, manage expenses, develop business plans, and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop employees and managers, setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable for results.
• Address performance and operational issues promptly and directly, while maintaining clear, professional communication with employees, management, vendors, customers, and other departments.
• Build a culture of integrity, accountability, clear expectations, and follow-through, where commitments are kept and problems are addressed rather than avoided.
• Be a visible, engaged, and hands‑on leader who works closely with Service and Sales and understands what is happening in the department day to day.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 3 years of full-time automotive parts department experience; significantly more experience managing a large operation is preferred.
• Valid California driver's license and ability to maintain insurability.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management and basic accounting principles.
• Experience with dealership parts management systems, CDK, and Microsoft Office preferred.
• A strong understanding of dealership parts operations, including inventory management, purchasing, wholesale, retail, service support, and financial performance.
• Ford or other domestic-brand experience strongly preferred.
• Strong business and financial acumen—you understand the numbers and know what they mean.
• A hands‑on leadership style and willingness to get involved in the operation when needed.
• Exceptional ethics and integrity. We are looking for someone who does the right thing even when it is difficult or inconvenient.
• The ability to set clear expectations and hold people accountable.
• The confidence to address problems promptly and have direct conversations when necessary.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to identify problems, evaluate solutions, and implement effective changes.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.