Have you ever wondered how all the spare parts for vehicles get to the workshops so quickly? With the maintenance and repair of vehicles being crucial to keep everyone moving it has to be fast and very efficient. Find out from parts distributors how the process is dealt with from start to finish.
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Parts Advisors are also sometimes known as Vehicle Parts Operatives and they are responsible for ordering, selling and managing stock control on a wide range of vehicle parts and accessories.
Duties may vary from employer to employer but will typically include:
Although there are no formal qualifications required as a Parts Advisor you will need to demonstrate a good technical understanding and general knowledge of how motor vehicles work. You would also be required to have confidence in problem solving, processing payments and good communication skills. In addition it is key that you have a willingness to keep technical knowledge updated in order to provide the most efficient service possible and an ability to work on your own initiative and as well as being part of a team.
There are a range of qualifications for Parts Advisors covering the underpinning knowledge you will need to get started and the hands-on skills required to carry out the job. These qualifications are often obtained through an apprenticeship.
IMI Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Parts Competence (theimi.org.uk)
IMI Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Parts Competence (theimi.org.uk)
Full time hours are typically around 40 hours a week for a Parts Advisor. This could include some weekend or evening work and may be on a rota system with other team members. You may also be able to find part time work in this area. Working environments will differ depending on your employer so you may be based within a shop, parts distributor or dealership.
Trainee or apprentice Parts Advisors may earn between £6,000 and £8,000 a year and when fully trained may earn between £15,000 and £18,000 a year, progressing to £20,000 or more with more experience.
A Parts Advisor could progress to a Parts Manager role earning between £30,00 to £33,000.
Parts Telesales Representatives are responsible for generating new parts sales business and maintaining existing accounts, over the phone.
Duties may vary from employer to employer but generally include:
Parts Sales Representatives can come into this job as an apprentice or from a sales background or a Parts Advisor role.
Formal qualifications are not always required for this role however you would need to demonstrate good selling skills and a general knowledge of the components you are selling. You would also need to be self-motivated and able to work on your own initiative as well as being part of a team. In addition you would be required to have excellent communication skills, strong organisational skills and an ability to build and maintain relationships.
Full-time hours are typically around 40 hours a week for Parts Sales Representatives. This could include some weekend and evening work which may be on a rota system with other team members. You may also be able to find part-time work in this area. Work environments will differ depending on your employer so you may be based within a shop, parts distributor warehouse or within a dealership.
Fully trained operatives may earn between £15,000 and £18,000 a year and senior operatives may earn £20,000 or more.
A Parts Telesales Representative could progress to a Parts Manager role earning between £30,000 to £33,000.
A Warehouse Assistant is required to work under the guidance and supervision of a warehouse manager or supervisor to ensure all stock is organised and processed efficiently.
Duties vary however usually include:
No formal qualifications are required however you should have good written and verbal communication skills and excellent organisational skills. You would need to demonstrate that you can comply with the necessary regulations and be able to manage your time well to meet strict deadlines.
Full-time hours are typically around 40 hours a week to include some weekend work which may be on a rota system with other team members. You may also be able to find part-time work in this area.
Fully trained operatives may earn between £15,000 and £18,000 a year and senior operatives may earn £20,000 or more.
A Warehouse Assistant could progress to the role Warehouse Supervisor or Manager earning £25,000, or train to work as a Parts Advisor.
A Driver Controller organises, manages and controls deliveries to ensure that the correct parts are delivered on time to the customer.
Duties may vary but generally include:
As a Driver Controller you must demonstrate leadership skills in order to manage a team of drivers and have excellent interpersonal skills. You would be required to have a good knowledge of the area covered by the drivers and the ability to route plan logically. You must also work well under pressure, be a good problem solver and have an eye for detail. It is also a requirement to have a positive attitude, be able to adapt to change in a fast paced environment.
A Driver Controller can work over 40 hours a week and depending on the employer’s operating hours may have to work some evenings or weekends.
You could expect to earn between £18,000 and £22,000 as a Driver Controller.
Career Progression
A Driver Controller could progress to Logistics Manager earning an average of £31,500 a year.
A Driver is employed to deliver and collect parts to customers.
The duties of a Driver would typically include:
As a Driver you must hold a full driving licence with no endorsements and have a good knowledge of the road network within the area specified. You must also have an understanding of customer services and excellent communication skills. In additional strong organisational skills and a respect for company procedures is required.
A Driver typically works around 40 hours a week and depending on the employer’s operating hours may have to work some evenings or weekends.
You could expect to earn between £15,000 and £18,000 as a Driver.
A Driver would be able to progress their career to Driver Controller with experience and work up to becoming a logistics manager earning £31,500.
General administrators will support the general manager/dealer principal, the sales department, the service department or the parts department in performing routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, providing information to customers and maintaining electronic and other files.
Responsibilities may vary depending on the employer but duties usually include:
There are no formal qualifications or entry routes specified for this role, however employers usually look for good GCSEs/Standard Grades in English, Maths and IT. You may also be able to get into this job via a Business & Administration or Customer Service apprenticeship or full time study at college.
As part of the administration team you would need to demonstrate good IT skills, strong organisational skills, excellent written and verbal communication and an understanding of customer service.
You will normally work from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and part time work is often also available in an Administration role.
You will be office based and as an apprentice earn £6,000 to £8,000. Once qualified you can expect to earn £10,000 to £16,000 and with more experience increase to £17,000 or more.
An administrator can progress to a more senior administration role or Office Manager earning between £24,000- £33,000.
Accounts staff usually work as part of a team, with specific individuals responsible for particular areas of accounting.
All businesses need accounts staff to process and monitor payments coming into and going out of the business. The team will be responsible for managing all financial aspects of the business dealing with financial outgoings, such as payroll, or incoming payments.
The duties will vary depending on the role but may include:
You will need to have a genuine interest in accounts and business related work, and you may wish to consider applying for apprentice/traineeship schemes.
As part of the accounts team you would need to hold qualifications in maths and English, demonstrate good IT and problem solving skills, have strong organisational skills and a good eye for detail.
Your salary as a newly qualified Accounts Assistant may range from £16,000 to £22,000 depending on the size and type of employer and your responsibilities within the organisation.
You may wish to study further to achieve an accounting qualification. Together with your experience it may assist you to progress to a senior accounts role or to become a Finance or Accounts Manager with potential earnings of anywhere between £27,000 to £40,000+.
