Dealer Parts Operations Manager

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · Marketing & Sales

The Dealer Parts Operations Manager at Ford is responsible for developing and maintaining Retail Inventory Management (RIM) and Dealer to Dealer (D2D) programs. This role owns the strategy and technological platforms for inventory management and fulfillment across the dealer network, focusing on ensuring the right parts are available and can be moved efficiently. Key responsibilities include identifying inefficiencies, performing deep-dive data analysis, designing and leading pilot programs, refining inventory strategies, managing program performance, optimizing network operations, and ensuring data integrity.

What you'd actually do

  1. Proactive Problem Solving: Actively "hunt" for inefficiencies in the wholesale network. Do not wait for assignments; bring weekly strategic recommendations to leadership on how to improve fill rates and reduce transit times.
  2. Intimate Data Analysis: Own the data. Move beyond supplier-provided reports to perform deep-dive analysis into the UDB and DMS feeds. You must have a "boots on the ground" understanding of why parts aren't moving and provide the "so-what" behind the metrics.
  3. Pilot & Scale: Design and lead pilot programs for new inventory strategies or D2D logistics models. Own the results from concept to national rollout.
  4. Program Architecture: Evolve RIM from a stocking tool to a competitive weapon. Refine discount frameworks and terms to reward dealers who maintain high velocity, "Interconnected" inventory.
  5. Velocity Ownership: Own the performance of D2D Express. Your goal is sub-day transit. Identify "Logistics Black Holes" and deploy immediate solutions (e.g., Flex-Drop/Uber Direct integration) to resolve them.

Skills

Required

  • Excel
  • data visualization
  • data manipulation
  • program management
  • strategic recommendations
  • leadership communication
  • inventory management
  • logistics optimization
  • dealer network management

Nice to have

  • Dealer Inventory Management (Turn rates, fill rates, obsolescence, and bin-mapping)
  • CDK
  • Reynolds
  • OEC platforms
  • Ford systems integration

What the JD emphasized

  • SE Michigan based employee
  • minimum of four days a week
  • Strategic Owner
  • right parts are on the shelf
  • sub-day velocity
  • own the lifecycle
  • technological platforms
  • proactively identify friction points
  • data-backed innovations
  • drive incremental volume
  • hunt for inefficiencies
  • strategic recommendations
  • deep-dive analysis
  • boots on the ground
  • Pilot & Scale
  • national rollout
  • competitive weapon
  • high velocity
  • Interconnected
  • enterprise-level KPIs
  • internal "intimacy" with the data
  • Network Expansion
  • national footprint
  • out-executing aftermarket competitors
  • SME
  • surgical data
  • sub-day transit
  • Logistics Black Holes
  • primary business owner
  • dictate the UI/UX requirements
  • data integrity standards
  • frictionless
  • primary lever
  • national back-orders
  • Dealer Inventory Health
  • Dealer Health initiatives
  • continuous optimization
  • dealer enrollment
  • dealer adoption
  • field teams
  • consistent execution
  • DPOC dashboard
  • drives action
  • 100% accuracy
  • final gatekeeper
  • advanced in Excel
  • data visualization
  • manipulate raw data
  • find trends
  • standard reports
  • proven track record
  • structured, successful program
  • constant supervision
  • Executive Leadership
  • Dealer Committees
  • data-backed strategy
  • confidence
  • Dealer Inventory Management
  • Turn rates
  • fill rates
  • obsolescence
  • bin-mapping
  • CDK
  • Reynolds
  • OEC platforms
  • Ford systems
  • bias for action
  • wholesale business
  • wait and see
  • loss to the aftermarket
  • FCSD Supply & Logistics
  • Finance
  • Field Sales organization