Parts Associate

Job Description

Job Description

RV Parts Associate

We are looking for a dependable and organized  Parts Associate to manage parts, materials, supplies, and inventory for our RV repair and body shop. This position plays an important role in keeping jobs moving efficiently by making sure technicians have the correct parts and supplies when they need them.

The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, good at communicating, and willing to take ownership of the shop’s parts and inventory needs.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Parts Ordering & Procurement

• Order RV parts, body parts, mechanical components, hardware, and other materials required for repair jobs.
• Make sure parts are  ordered on time so repairs are not delayed waiting for materials.
• Track outstanding orders and follow up with vendors to ensure parts arrive when expected.
• Verify incoming parts to make sure the  correct part, quantity, and condition were received.
• Research parts across multiple suppliers to find  better pricing and cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing necessary quality.
• Compare pricing, shipping costs, and availability before placing orders when appropriate.
• Help identify alternative or aftermarket parts when OEM parts are too expensive, unavailable, or backordered.
• Handle returns, incorrect parts, damaged shipments, warranties, and exchanges with vendors.

Shop Supplies & Consumables

• Maintain adequate inventory of everyday shop consumables and supplies.
• Regularly check stock levels and  reorder supplies before the shop runs out .
• Maintain supplies such as sandpaper, masking materials, tape, adhesives, fasteners, body shop materials, cleaners, chemicals, hardware, and other frequently used items.
• Anticipate upcoming needs instead of waiting until technicians run out of something.
• Help control unnecessary spending and waste of shop materials.

Local Parts Pickup

• Drive to local dealerships, parts stores, hardware stores, paint suppliers, or other vendors to pick up parts and materials when necessary.
• Handle urgent parts runs when a repair cannot wait for normal shipping.
• Locate hard-to-find parts locally when needed to keep jobs moving.

Inventory & Shop Organization/Facility Management

• Keep the shop’s  parts and inventory areas clean, neat, labeled, and organized at all times .
• Receive, sort, label, and properly store incoming parts.
• Keep customer/job-specific parts separated and clearly identified.
• Maintain an organized system so technicians can quickly locate the parts and materials they need.
• Regularly inspect inventory and identify low-stock, excess, misplaced, or obsolete items.
• Maintain accurate inventory records when required.
• Make sure valuable parts and materials are properly accounted for.
• Maintain shop facility systems including but not limited to keeping the property neat, clean, organized.
• Doing a monthly inspection on Paint booth, heating systems, compressors etc.

Job Coordination

• Communicate with technicians, estimators, management, and other employees regarding parts needed for current and upcoming repairs.
• Understand which jobs are priorities and order parts accordingly.
• Notify management or technicians immediately about backorders, delays, incorrect parts, or other issues that could affect completion dates.
• Help ensure that all required parts are available  before a job reaches the stage where those parts are needed .

What We’re Looking For

• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Dependable and punctual
• Able to work independently without needing constant reminders
• Comfortable calling vendors and researching parts
• Good computer and internet research skills
• Able to compare prices and make cost-conscious purchasing decisions
• Willing and able to drive locally for parts and supplies
• Able to lift and move typical automotive/RV parts and shop supplies
• Automotive, RV, collision repair, body shop, or parts experience is preferred but not necessarily required

What Success Looks Like in This Position

The goal of this position is simple:  the shop should not lose production time because a necessary part or basic supply was forgotten, ordered late, or allowed to run out.

A successful Parts Associate keeps parts flowing, inventory organized, supplies stocked, costs under control, and technicians focused on repairing vehicles rather than searching for or waiting on parts.