Parts Manager in Sunderland

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Parts Manager to join a busy and growing commercial vehicle repair operation in Sunderland. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced automotive parts professional who is confident managing parts operations, building strong supplier relationships and ensuring technicians and workshop teams have the parts they need to keep repairs moving efficiently.

You’ll play a key role in maintaining an organised, commercially focused parts operation while delivering excellent service to both internal teams and customers.

Requirements

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the parts department.
• Source, order and manage parts efficiently, ensuring availability, competitive pricing and timely delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate effectively on pricing and availability.
• Monitor parts orders and proactively manage shortages, delays, backorders, returns and discrepancies.
• Check incoming parts for accuracy, quality and damage and resolve any issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate records of orders, invoices, credits and stock movements.
• Manage stock levels and ensure effective inventory control.
• Work closely with Technicians, Workshop Controllers and VDA teams to ensure parts are available when required.
• Help minimise repair delays by proactively identifying and resolving parts issues.
• Monitor costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Maintain a safe, secure and organised parts department.
• Ensure all company procedures, Health & Safety requirements and industry standards are followed.

Benefits

• £34,000 salary
• 29 days' holiday including public holidays, with additional days for long service
• Pension contributions
• Referral bonus scheme
• Enhanced parental leave
• Enhanced sick pay
• Wagestream financial wellbeing app
• Flexible working opportunities
• VIP Awards colleague recognition scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Virtual GP appointments and Employee Assistance Programme
• High street and vehicle maintenance discounts
• Fully funded accredited training through Steer Academy
• Excellent opportunities for career progression

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in an automotive Parts Manager, Parts Supervisor or senior Parts Advisor role.
• Strong knowledge of automotive parts, ordering processes and stock control.
• Experience within the motor trade, accident repair, commercial vehicle or automotive sector.
• Strong supplier relationship and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good IT skills, including Excel, email and web-based systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with workshop teams.
• Commercial awareness with a focus on controlling costs and improving efficiency.
• The ability to remain calm and organised in a busy, fast-paced environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Parts professional looking to take ownership of a busy parts operation and develop their career within a growing commercial vehicle repair environment. If you have strong automotive parts experience, excellent organisational skills and a passion for keeping workshops running efficiently, we want to hear from you. Apply today!