A
store manager runs the
dealership. Often the dealer principle (store owner) will assume
this position however, as dealerships grow and acquire new
stores, there is an increasing need for strong leaders to manage
new stores. Operating a multi-million dollar business requires
the ability to manage the dealership's assets, build a strong
team of employees, coordinate departmental activities, and steer
the business to the future.
The manager of the parts department plays a critical role in the
dealerships success. As part of the management team, the parts
manager must organize employees, manage inventories and
contribute to the bottom line. A successful Parts Manager must
have the ability to analyze departmental performance, supervise
people and be a team player while maintaining peak efficiency,
providing customer service and interacting with other
departments.
A
parts person works in a customer service role. They provide parts
not only for the service department but also for customers.
Finding a part for a piece of equipment that the customer really
doesn't expect to be able to get is a very rewarding challenge.
Knowledge of equipment, familiarity of reference materials and
manufacturer parts catalogs (CD-ROM) and the ability to operate
an inventory control system are important components of a
Parts person. This 3-year
apprenticeship trade offers a broad variety of career
opportunities.
The service department's success is critical to a dealership's
survival. The service manager has many responsibilities
including ensuring repair jobs are completed on time, matching
the right technicians with specific jobs and ensuring sold
machinery is properly equipped. Coordinating efforts with the
parts and sales department is also essential for efficient
output through the service department. The service manager must
be efficient, a team player, organized and able to keep his
technicians working.
Nothing beats the satisfaction of finding the
problem, solving it, and getting a customer back into operation.
Today's technician needs not only mechanical knowledge but
expertise in electronics, hydraulics, and computers to service
the agriculture industry's high-tech equipment. This is a 4-year
apprenticeship trade
that is in high demand. A technician that has the ability to
handle a variety of tasks and perform quality work at a brisk
pace will be highly rewarded financially.
The set-up person prepares machinery for
service technicians. This may include moving machinery, washing
machinery and general maintenance. This is a critical role in
today's dealerships as agricultural technicians are in extremely
short supply. The set-up person allows the technicians to focus
on repairs. This is an excellent job for youth interested in
becoming agricultural technicians as it introduces them to the
service department's operations.
Improving the performance in the service department starts with
proper billing and filing of claims. This is a relatively new
position in the dealership but is becoming increasingly
important. The service clerk maintains accurate and on-time
records related to service functions. The service clerk improves
efficiency of the service department by tracking technician
performance and utilizing new billing techniques.
The challenge of maintaining a balance between increasing sales
and holding margins belongs to the Sales Manager. This person is
in charge of motivating and training sales personnel, managing
inventory and coordinating activities with other departments.
The profitability of the department and maintaining customer
satisfaction are the primary responsibilities and key skills
needed are the ability to lead, sales experience and teamwork.
A
sales person is responsible for serving the whole good needs of
the dealership's customers. Networking and relationship building
are the keys to success. With equipment reaching six figures,
most sales are big and the customers must have confidence in
their sales person. Maintaining customer profiles, pricing
equipment, evaluating trade-ins and promoting the service and
sales department are the primary tasks.
The office is the control center of the dealership. Overseeing
the intricacies of the business, the office manager monitors the
inflows and outflows of cash and paper. Strong understanding of
financial reports and computer information systems is required.
This person works closely with the store manager and supervises
the Bookkeeper and Secretary. Understanding cash flow management
is a must for an office manager.
Solid financial records are the foundation of any successful
business. Bookkeepers maintain the dealership's finances and
provide reports to the management team for decision making
purposes. An understanding of general accounting practices and
the operation of a dealership computer system are required.
Often the bookkeepers role will include some secretarial and
receptionist functions.
The receptionist greets customers and directs them to the proper
department or individual. Answering incoming calls and data
entry are common tasks. The receptionist often does projects for
various departments and works closely with the store manager and
office manager.
Truck drivers haul equipment from manufacturers and other
dealers as well as delivering machinery to customers. The
benefits of working for an equipment dealers is that most hauls
are in close proximity to the dealership and the driver is not
away from home for long periods of time.
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