Apprentice Parts Consultant

SUCCESS AT WESTERN STATES:  Western State’s culture is based on passion for our Vision, Mission, and VALUES. We are fiercely committed to SAFETY and sending every employee, safely home, every day. We strive for EXCELLENCE in all we do and are proud to be a “play to win” organization. We act with INTEGRITY in each and every decision we make. Our People and TEAMWORK drive a fun and engaging culture. We are ACCOUNTABLE as individuals and as an organization.

JOB SUMMARY:  The Parts Consultant is responsible for providing parts support for Caterpillar, vendors, customers, and internal departments.  Duties include utilization of the CRM and ERP software to successfully process customer invoicing, creating purchase orders, tracking inventory, and supporting warehouse functions.  Developing skillsets requires general knowledge of CAT or industry related product brands, effective organizational and problem-solving skills to make appropriate recommendations and provide creative solutions for all customer needs.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Safety

• Actively cares, promotes, manages, and advocates safety at Western States.  As a team member in the organization, it is critical to ensure all employees, vendors, and clients have a safe work environment while adhering to all applicable safety policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ability to complete Job Hazard Analysis (JHA’s) prior to any job-related tasks according to WSECO’s policy and standards.
• Maintains clean/clutter free personal work areas to ensure safe environments for all WSECO employees.
• Adhering to required personal protective equipment (PPE) as identified in safety policy.

CRM and ERP

• Manages parts inquiries over the phone and in person.
• Supports internal customers, such as Product Support Sales Representatives (PSSRs)/Inside Sales/Machine Sales/Service Department, and all external customers with parts pricing and quoting.
• Advises customers on substitution of parts when replacement is not available.
• Checks parts availability. Determines urgency of parts and decides most efficient way to meet customers’ needs; uses need-by dates effectively.
• Processes cash transactions, credit transactions, and adds parts to sales orders with assistance.
• Performs backorder reviews of sales orders under supervision.
• Searches for parts and material by keyword, item number or serial number.

Customer Invoicing and Purchase Orders

• Generates invoices and completes customer transactions by receiving payment from the customer.
• Processes, tracks, and completes customers’ orders to exceed customers’ expectations.
• Participates in and completes training as required and/or available.

Inventory and Warehouse

• Pulls parts from inventory when needed.
• Receives incoming material, describes the documentation related to receiving, processes and tracks incoming material.
• Stocks and stages incoming material.

Continued Development

• Participates in continued education and training initiatives as outlined in the Western States Equipment Parts Career Development Plan. (PCDP)
• Learns how to utilize service manuals (STW, SIS and parts books) to address technical issues and perform all required tasks.
• Develops familiarity with parts reusability guidelines.
• Develops ability to write and read complete, factual service reports for files and warranty purposes using STW for timely work order closing.
• Develops skill sets to address all inquiries in a prompt and friendly manner in an effort to meet or exceed internal/external client expectations.
• Performs other duties as assigned while developing a mindset for Parts Consultant productivity.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: 

• Ability to learn dealer systems.
• Moderate knowledge of forklift and material handling equipment.
• Ability to obtain forklift operators certification.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others through Teamwork.
• Ability to travel occasionally when needed for training, meetings, etc.
• Ability to work overtime and on call.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Proof of high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Minimum of 1 year of parts sales, parts warehouse, or combined experience required.
• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write in English).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: 

• Ability to stand for long periods of time along with walking, sitting, repetitively climbing stairs, reaching (including but not limited to above-shoulder reaching), repetitive bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, leaning and twisting.
• Ability to generate 97 ft./lbs. of force, by pushing and pulling.
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 60lbs from the ground and place on a shelf/platform set up to 65 inches off the ground.
• Ability to carry up to 20 lbs. while repeatedly ascend/descend a minimum of ten, 8” stair steps.
• Ability to repeatedly ascend/descend a minimum of 10 rungs on various ladders.
• Ability to assemble/disassemble various sizes of nuts and bolts, while repeatedly bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and/or crouching.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures and environment.
• Must be able to meet all safety requirements for applicable safety policies.

Disclaimer:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  It is not intended be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification.