Parts Manager / Inventory Specialist

Pay: $25.00 - $27.00 per hour

Job description:

Blueprint Search Group is recruiting an Inventory Specialist on behalf of a specialty vehicle manufacturer located in Deep Gap, North Carolina.

Our client specializes in the manufacturing, customization, and modification of ambulances and emergency response vehicles. We are seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Inventory Specialist to oversee parts inventory, coordinate purchasing, manage vendor relationships, and ensure production teams have the materials and components needed to complete projects efficiently.

The ideal candidate has experience in parts management, inventory control, purchasing, warehouse operations, or materials coordination, preferably within automotive, manufacturing, heavy equipment, commercial vehicles, or a related industry.

This position plays an important role in keeping production operations running smoothly by maintaining accurate inventory, preventing material shortages, and ensuring parts are available when needed.

We are looking for someone who can take ownership of the parts department, stay ahead of inventory needs, and work effectively with technicians, production staff, and suppliers.

Key ResponsibilitiesParts Inventory & Department Management

• Oversee daily operations of the parts department, including inventory organization, storage, and distribution.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for parts, materials, tools, and components used in specialty vehicle manufacturing.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure frequently used parts and supplies are consistently available.
• Establish and maintain organized inventory locations, labeling systems, and parts tracking procedures.
• Conduct regular inventory counts, cycle counts, and inventory reconciliations.
• Identify inventory discrepancies, shortages, damaged materials, and obsolete stock.
• Implement inventory control practices to minimize waste, reduce unnecessary purchases, and improve accuracy.

Purchasing & Vendor Coordination

• Order parts, materials, and supplies needed for ongoing and upcoming production projects.
• Communicate with vendors and suppliers regarding pricing, availability, lead times, and deliveries.
• Track purchase orders and follow up on outstanding or delayed shipments.
• Research and source replacement parts or alternative components when necessary.
• Compare supplier pricing and availability to support cost-effective purchasing decisions.
• Coordinate returns, exchanges, warranty claims, and damaged shipments when applicable.
• Maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency.

Production & Technician Support

• Work closely with production managers, fabricators, electrical technicians, and other team members to identify material requirements.
• Ensure necessary parts and components are available to support vehicle builds, modifications, and repairs.
• Review upcoming production needs and anticipate parts requirements to prevent delays.
• Organize and distribute parts according to work orders or production schedules.
• Assist technicians in identifying and locating the correct parts for specific vehicle applications.
• Communicate potential shortages or delivery delays to management and production teams.
• Help resolve parts-related issues that could affect project timelines.

Receiving, Shipping & Documentation

• Receive incoming shipments and verify quantities, part numbers, and condition against purchase orders.
• Inspect deliveries for missing, damaged, or incorrect items.
• Maintain accurate documentation for purchases, receipts, returns, and inventory adjustments.
• Coordinate storage and proper handling of incoming materials.
• Maintain organized records of vendor information, pricing, and purchasing history.
• Support shipping and receiving operations as needed.

Qualifications & ExperiencePreferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in parts management, inventory control, purchasing, materials management, or warehouse operations.
• Experience working in automotive, manufacturing, commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, fleet maintenance, or a related environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Experience ordering parts, communicating with suppliers, and tracking purchase orders.
• Familiarity with inventory management software, computerized parts systems, or ERP platforms.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and other inventory tracking tools.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and coordinate effectively with production teams.
• Ability to identify and address inventory shortages before they affect operations.

Additional Experience That Is a Plus

• Automotive or commercial truck parts management
• Ambulance, emergency vehicle, or specialty vehicle manufacturing
• Parts purchasing and vendor negotiations
• Manufacturing inventory and material planning
• Bill of materials (BOM) and production work orders
• Inventory management systems or ERP software
• Warehouse organization and process improvement
• Shipping, receiving, and logistics coordination
• Experience supporting fabrication, assembly, or vehicle upfitting operations

Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

• Are highly organized and comfortable taking ownership of a parts department.
• Understand the importance of keeping parts and materials available to prevent production delays.
• Can manage purchasing, inventory, and vendor communication simultaneously.
• Are proactive in identifying shortages and resolving supply issues.
• Have experience working with automotive, truck, equipment, or manufacturing parts.
• Are comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Communicate effectively with technicians, production managers, and suppliers.
• Take pride in maintaining an efficient, accurate, and well-organized department.

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay: $25.00–$27.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Employment: Full-Time, Direct Hire.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, day shift.
• Location: Deep Gap, North Carolina.
• Work Arrangement: Fully onsite.