At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the parts operation, ensuring efficient sourcing and repairs.
- Company: Join Solus, a leader in vehicle repairs with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous holiday, and discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and support for all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in parts management or transferable skills from logistics or retail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Solus, the Parts Lead is critical to the success of the business. This role sits at the centre of site performance, working collaboratively with the wider operational team and with other Parts Leads across the group to ensure parts are sourced efficiently and repairs progress without unnecessary delay. Rather than operating in isolation, the Parts Lead plays a key role in cross-site collaboration, sharing knowledge, solving supply challenges together and supporting consistent, right-first-time repairs for our customers. Your influence extends beyond your own site, contributing to how we operate as a network.
You'll also lead and support a small team of Parts Assistants, setting standards, encouraging good practice and creating an organised, dependable parts operation that the rest of the site can rely on. This is a role where relationships, judgement and teamwork are just as important as technical knowledge.
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee parts ordering, sourcing and supplier coordination
- Manage goods-in, goods-out, returns and organised storage of parts and consumables
- Monitor parts lead times, availability and trends, sharing clear updates with the wider site
- Support cost control through accurate ordering and invoice / credit note processing
- Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal teams
- Identify parts-related delays or inefficiencies and work to resolve them
- Support and develop Parts Assistants, setting clear expectations and standards
- Ensure parts processes align with health, safety and company policy
This is a role that blends hands-on technical oversight with leadership and problem-solving.
Qualifications
- The ability to lead and coordinate a parts or supply function
- Strong organisation skills and attention to detail
- Confidence making practical, commercial decisions that support repair flow
- Clear communication with technicians, suppliers and site leaders
- A calm, structured approach to prioritising competing demands
- A full UK driving licence, with confidence supporting site vehicle movements when required
- Experience may come from automotive parts, logistics, supply chain, warehouse leadership, retail operations or similar environments. Transferable skills matter more than sector labels.
Solus, who are owned by Aviva, are one of the UK leaders in vehicle repairs, returning cars to the road in just 11 days on average and a 4.6/5 star customer rating. With an award-winning apprenticeship programme and winners of other recognised industry awards Solus are proud to be shaping the future of vehicle repair.
Why Join Solus?
- Competitive salary based on location, skills, experience, and qualifications.
- Bonus opportunity tied to your performance and the overall success of Solus.
- Company pension scheme with employer contributions.
- 33 days' holiday (including bank holidays), with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
- Save money with up to 40% discount on Aviva products and other retailer discounts.
- Share in Aviva's success through the Aviva Save As You Earn scheme.
- Supportive policies including parental and carer's leave.
- Wellbeing focus with tools like Group Income Protection and 24/7 GP access.
At Solus, we value inclusivity and welcome all applicants. If you're excited but don't tick every box, we encourage you to apply - your unique skills might be just what we need. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria - just email us after applying to let us know.
Ready to join us? Apply online today, and our team will be in touch within 14 days.
Locations
Parts Manager in Ipswich, Suffolk employer: Solus Accident Repair Centres
At Solus, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture where teamwork and relationships are at the forefront of our operations. As a Parts Manager, you'll benefit from competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and generous holiday allowances, all while contributing to a company that values inclusivity and employee growth through award-winning training programmes. Join us in shaping the future of vehicle repair in a supportive environment that prioritises your wellbeing and professional development.
Contact Details:
Solus Accident Repair Centres Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parts Manager in Ipswich, Suffolk
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Solus Accident Repair Centres and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Solus Accident Repair Centres!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Solus Accident Repair Centres keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Parts Manager in Ipswich, Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Solus Accident Repair Centres:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Solus Accident Repair Centres. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solus Accident Repair Centres
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Solus Accident Repair Centres.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Solus Accident Repair Centres that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Solus Accident Repair Centres. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
