Parts Manager

Carbase; West of England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Carbase Preparation Centre in the South West is hiring a Parts Manager / Supervisor. This hands-on role ensures parts availability to support vehicle progression and prep readiness, coordinating with Workshop Lead, Vehicle Progressors and Prep teams.

You will lead the Parts Team, maintain stock control, liaise with suppliers, chase delays and prevent workshop downtime. The ideal candidate has strong automotive parts knowledge, practical experience in parts or workshop operations, and excellent

Qualifications

• Good automotive parts knowledge and an understanding of common mechanical components and vehicle repair requirements.

Responsibilities

• Taking day-to-day ownership of the Parts function within the Preparation Centre.

Skills

Automotive parts knowledge

Parts availability planning

Leadership

Organisational skills

Communication with technicians

Proactive problem solving

Prioritisation

Attention to detail

Team coordination

Job description

Parts Manager / Supervisor

Job Title: Parts Manager / Supervisor
Reports to: Preparation Centre Manager
Hours: 40 hrs per week
Pattern: Mon - Fri
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 (deep research, master prompt)
Location: Carbase Preparation Centre

About Carbase

Carbase is the South West's largest independent pre‑owned dealership group, offering a wide range of quality vehicles alongside flexible finance options and aftersales support.

As a family‑run business, certified as a Great Place to Work, we're built on a commitment to trust, transparency and delivering a great customer experience.

With multiple stores, dedicated autocentres and a preparation centre, our team works together to make buying, selling and maintaining vehicles simple, straightforward and enjoyable for our customers.

Job Description

The Parts Manager / Supervisor is a hands‑on operational role, responsible for ensuring parts availability supports the efficient progression of vehicles through the Preparation Centre.

This role is focused primarily on vehicle progression and workshop readiness, rather than traditional parts procurement. You will work closely with the Workshop Lead, Vehicle Progressors and wider Prep teams to ensure the correct parts are available at the right time, preventing vehicles from being delayed and minimising technician waiting time and idle ramps.

Key responsibilities include:

• Taking day-to-day ownership of the Parts function within the Preparation Centre.
• Ensuring parts required for “Next Up” vehicles are identified, available and ready ahead of workshop demand.
• Working closely with the Workshop Lead and Vehicle Progressors to understand vehicle priorities and upcoming requirements.
• Proactively identifying vehicles at risk of delay due to unavailable or incorrect parts.
• Ensuring parts are correctly matched, allocated and issued to the relevant vehicle or job.
• Chasing outstanding parts and escalating delays where they may impact vehicle progression.
• Maintaining clear visibility of parts status across vehicles in Prep.
• Supporting the movement of vehicles through the preparation process by removing parts‑related blockers.
• Leading and organising the Parts Team to deliver a responsive and efficient service to the Workshop.
• Maintaining accurate stock control and ensuring parts are stored in an organised and controlled manner.
• Managing returns, incorrect parts and warranty‑related items efficiently.
• Working with suppliers and procurement channels where required, while keeping the primary focus on vehicle flow and operational delivery.
• Maintaining strong housekeeping, process compliance and safe working practices within the Parts area.

Candidate Requirements

We are looking for someone with:

• Good automotive parts knowledge and an understanding of common mechanical components and vehicle repair requirements.
• Experience within automotive parts, workshop operations, vehicle preparation or a similar environment.
• A strong understanding of how parts availability impacts vehicle progression and workshop productivity.
• A proactive, hands‑on approach and willingness to work directly with vehicles, parts and operational teams.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• The ability to identify upcoming requirements and act before they become operational delays.
• Good communication skills and the confidence to work closely with Technicians, Workshop Leads, Vehicle Progressors and suppliers.
• Strong attention to detail when matching and allocating parts to vehicles.
• The ability to lead, org