Merchandising Operations Manager Jobs in Cottage Grove, MN

Position Summary

The Fixed Operations Manager is responsible for leading a profitable and efficient Service & Parts department by overseeing, customer service, sales and profit objectives, production, purchasing, inventory control, pricing, merchandising, and employee relationships. This role requires strong leadership, business acumen, and the ability to foster collaboration across all departments supporting world class customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Set goals and objectives for the service & parts department and drive performance to achieve them.
• Provide leadership, training, coaching, and performance management for all department staff.
• Conduct regular team meetings to review performance, address challenges, and identify process improvements.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration across departments to maximize efficiency and customer service.

• Monitors and controls the performance of the department using BI tools and resources.

• Maintains reporting systems required by general management and the factory.

Operations Management

• Develop, document, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all service & parts activities.
• Oversee daily operations including: Nuss safety policies and compliance, efficient and profitable service department metrics & goals, counter sales, wholesale programs, shipping, and receiving.
• Monitor and analyze departmental performance reports in BI and others such as DOE, DOC, and sales productivity, making adjustments as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations affecting service and parts operations.

Inventory & Purchasing

• Forecast demand and establish inventory levels to balance availability and turnover.
• Manage purchasing procedures, stock orders, and vendor relationships to maintain accurate and timely supply.
• Monitor and adjust inventory to minimize obsolescence and maximize profitability.
• Review and approve purchases, ensuring proper accounting before payment.
• Assure service department efficiencies via parts support.

Customer Service & Sales

• Ensure exceptional customer service standards by developing and monitoring customer service guidelines.
• Handle customer inquiries and complaints promptly consistent with company policies.
• Support the Service Department by ensuring timely turnaround of required parts for jobs.
• Develop and administer an aggressive wholesale parts program to expand profitability.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and lead the service & parts department staff, providing training, support, and ongoing performance evaluation.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• At least three (3) years of experience in a truck or automotive parts department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and managerial skills with proven ability to supervise, coach, and motivate staff.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with dealership systems: ERP, BI, processes, inventory management systems; ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to operate departments profitably within company guidelines.
• Professional personal appearance and demeanor.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work performed within the service and parts department environment.
• Requires standing, walking, and moving throughout the department for extended periods (6–8 hours per shift).
• Regular climbing of ladders, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and handling of parts and on the service floor.
• Exposure to noise, dust, exhaust fumes, paint, and other hazardous and non-hazardous materials when working in the service and parts areas.
• Occasional lifting of parts and materials up to 50 pounds.

Accountability and Compliance

• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and safety standards at all times.
• Accurately document inventory, purchasing activities, and process improvements.
• Report all incidents, concerns, or safety issues in accordance with company policy.
• Participate in required training, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Nuss Truck & Equipment is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable employment laws.