DARREN HOPSON
Rochester,Kent
Summary
Experienced Parts Advisor with knack for building strong customer relationships and ensuring smooth inventory management. Excel at identifying customer needs, providing accurate part recommendations, and enhancing sales performance through exceptional service. Proven track record in streamlining parts operations and improving overall efficiency.
Resourceful employee with outstanding knowledge to develop and maintain healthy customer pipeline. Consistently works to attract new business opportunities. Talent in administrative oversight, recruitment processes and customer service improvements.
Effectively promotes products and increases revenue by connecting with customers and recommending target offerings. Organised, adaptable and knowledgeable about preparing displays, merchandising shelves and assisting customers. Drives loyalty with friendly and skilled support.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Parts advisor
Jayar Components Ltd
Northfleet, Kent
11.2025 - Current
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with prompt and accurate service.
- Achieved high level of product knowledge through continual learning and training.
- Liaised with suppliers for timely delivery of ordered parts.
- Catalogued auto parts for easy retrieval and organisation.
- Performed daily stock counts ensuring adequate inventory levels.
- Checked incoming parts against delivery notes to limit stock discrepancies.
Branch manager
Jayar Components Ltd
Strood, Kent
09.2017 - 11.2025
- Improved branch productivity by implementing efficient work schedules.
- Streamlined business processes to enhance operational efficiency.
- Ensured branch met all regulatory requirements for safe operation.
- Coordinated with other branches for seamless service delivery.
- Ensured compliance with company policies, maintaining ethical standards.
- Resolved customer complaints swiftly, maintaining company's reputation.
- Built partnerships with local businesses fostering community relations.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth running of the branch.
- Reviewed and analysed sales data to identify growth opportunities.
Branch manager
Jayar Components Ltd
Chatham, Kent
08.2014 - 09.2017
- Improved branch productivity by implementing efficient work schedules.
- Streamlined business processes to enhance operational efficiency.
- Ensured branch met all regulatory requirements for safe operation.
- Coordinated with other branches for seamless service delivery.
- Ensured compliance with company policies, maintaining ethical standards.
- Resolved customer complaints swiftly, maintaining company's reputation.
- Built partnerships with local businesses fostering community relations.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth running of the branch.
- Fostered a positive work environment, improving overall team morale.
Senior Parts Advisor
Jayar Components Ltd
Sittingbourne, Kent
10.2010 - 08.2014
- Streamlined storage system, making parts easier to locate.
- Coordinated with technicians to provide necessary vehicle components on time.
- Monitored market trends for potential changes in pricing strategies.
- Assisted in training new staff members to ensure consistency in service.
- Communicated effectively with customers to understand their needs better.
- Achieved high level of product knowledge through continual learning and training.
- Suggested alternative parts to customers when required items were out of stock.
Shop manager
Robin Hood Motor Spares
Orpington, Bromley
08.2006 - 08.2010
- Delivered excellent customer experiences with personalised service approach.
- Assisted customers in making informed buying decisions through expert advice on products,.
- Managed store inventory to ensure adequate stock levels at all times.
- Oversaw daily shop operations, ensuring smooth running of business activities.
- Fostered strong relationships with key customers to boost loyalty and repeat business.
Business development manager (Parts Sales Rep)
W.J. King Vauxhall
Dartford, Kent
08.2003 - 08.2006
- Fulfilled customer orders accurately by identifying the correct parts necessary for their automotive needs.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
- Provided detailed information about auto parts to customers, enhancing their understanding and confidence in purchases.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of various auto parts, increasing ability to provide expert advice to customers.
- Established positive relationships with customers through excellent communication skills, improving overall service quality.
- Identified opportunities for upselling or cross-selling products successfully whilst serving customers.
- Boosted product sales by offering selection guidance to customers.
- Carried out active selling from initial customer greeting.
- Built rapport with new and existing customers to boost client retention.
Business development manager (Parts Sales Rep)
Pomphreys Vauxhall
07.1999 - 08.2003
- Managed key accounts, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Drove revenue growth with innovative sales strategies.
- Executed successful product launches, driving market penetration.
- Developed strategic partnerships for sustained growth.
- Delivered excellent customer service by addressing queries promptly and effectively.
- Devised comprehensive business plans, enabling sustainable growth.
- Secured new business opportunities by cultivating strong relationships with potential clients.
- Implemented marketing initiatives for greater brand visibility.
- Customized promotional strategies to meet needs of different clients, products and services.
- Optimised sales methods to best engage, acquire and retain customers.
Business development manager (Parts Sales Rep)
W.J.King Vauxhall
Welling, Bexley
09.1996 - 06.1999
- Managed key accounts, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Fostered client relationships, leading to increased brand loyalty.
- Implemented marketing initiatives for greater brand visibility.
- Delivered excellent customer service by addressing queries promptly and effectively.
- Drove revenue growth with innovative sales strategies.
- Generated leads to bring in new client revenue and improve bottom-line profitability.
- Identified opportunities to drive business growth, diversification and expansion.
- Contacted and converted potential customers via telephone, email and in-person enquiries.
- Designed strategy to win new business and maximise selling opportunities among existing clients, achieving lucrative results.
- Organised special sales at specific times to drive customer engagement and move high volumes of products.
Shop assistant
W.J. King Vauxhall
Welling, Bexley
04.1993 - 09.1996
- Improved product visibility with strategic shelf arrangements.
- Handled cash register efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions.
- Built rapport with frequent shoppers to foster loyal customer base.
- Maintained clean, appealing shop environment for comfortable shopping experience.
- Assisted in inventory counts, maintaining accurate records.
- Greeted every customer warmly, promoting friendly atmosphere.
- Updated window displays regularly for fresh store appeal.
- Completed restocking swiftly post delivery arrival to ensure immediate product availability.
- Collaborated effectively with team members during busy periods.
- Coordinated closely with management on shop floor layouts and visual merchandising.
- Organised stock and checkout area proactively between serving customers to maintain orderly shop floor.
- Shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing, organised displays to engage customers.
- Delivered personalised customer service with a smile to promote return custom.
Parts advisor / Supervisor
Lex Rover
Bexleyheath, Bexley
09.1988 - 05.1994
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, resulted in increased customer satisfaction rates.
- Delegated tasks appropriately, achieved balanced workload among team members.
- Performed daily stock counts ensuring adequate inventory levels.
- Coordinated with technicians to provide necessary vehicle components on time.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with prompt and accurate service.
- Streamlined storage system, making parts easier to locate.
- Processed sales transactions smoothly, enhancing customer experience.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resulting in resolved issues.
- Ensured availability of needed parts by regularly checking inventory levels.
- Achieved high level of product knowledge through continual learning and training.
- Suggested alternative parts to customers when required items were out of stock.
- Placed orders for new stock to meet customer requirements.
- Communicated effectively with customers to understand their needs better.
- Improved parts inventory by conducting regular audits and stock checks.
- Identified customer parts requirements and provided potential alternatives for hard-to-find parts.
- Updated stock systems regularly for reliable inventory information.
General labourer
Granby Contracts
Northfleet, Kent
04.1988 - 09.1988
- Followed instructions from supervisors for desired project outcomes.
- Maintained site cleanliness by promptly removing construction debris.
- Carried out general maintenance tasks around the site, contributing to an orderly working environment.
- Assisted skilled workers, such as carpenters and bricklayers, for timely project completion.
- Moved materials, resulting in a smooth workflow on the building site.
- Dug holes, trenches and ditches at desired locations to exact specifications.
Trainee Parts advisor (YTS)
Beadles Austin Rover
Dartford, Kent
07.1987 - 04.1988
- Performed daily stock counts ensuring adequate inventory levels.
- Achieved high level of product knowledge through continual learning and training.
- Streamlined storage system, making parts easier to locate.
- Coordinated with technicians to provide necessary vehicle components on time.
- Handled multiple tasks simultaneously, demonstrating excellent organisational skills.
- Catalogued auto parts for easy retrieval and organisation.
- Ensured availability of needed parts by regularly checking inventory levels.
- Processed sales transactions smoothly, enhancing customer experience.
- Checked incoming parts against delivery notes to limit stock discrepancies.
Education
CSE English. Maths. Science. Technical drawings - CSE
Northfleet School For Boys
Northfleet, Kent 09.1982 - 07.1987
City and Guilds - Auto, Mechanical. Fabrication. Electrical engineering
North West Kent College
Gravesend, Kent 09.1985 - 07.1987
Skills
- Reliability and punctuality
- Supplier liaisoning
- Inventory software usage
- Automotive parts knowledge
- Electronic cataloguing
- Efficient organising
- Customer Service
- Parts identification
- Sales expertise
- Technical knowledge
- Patience and empathy
- Delivery scheduling
- Microsoft Excel inventory
- Kerridge software
- Efficient stock control
- Parts order picking
- Point of sale operation
- Sales reporting analysis
- Team Leadership
- Product knowledge
- Mechanical component awareness
- Logistics co-ordination
- Repair manuals understanding
- Order fulfilment
- Sales persuasion
Affiliations
- Scout Leader
Timeline
Senior Parts advisor
Jayar Components Ltd
11.2025 - Current
Branch manager
Jayar Components Ltd
09.2017 - 11.2025
Branch manager
Jayar Components Ltd
08.2014 - 09.2017
Senior Parts Advisor
Jayar Components Ltd
10.2010 - 08.2014
Shop manager
Robin Hood Motor Spares
08.2006 - 08.2010
Business development manager (Parts Sales Rep)
W.J. King Vauxhall
08.2003 - 08.2006
Business development manager (Parts Sales Rep)
Pomphreys Vauxhall
07.1999 - 08.2003
Business development manager (Parts Sales Rep)
W.J.King Vauxhall
09.1996 - 06.1999
Shop assistant
W.J. King Vauxhall
04.1993 - 09.1996
Parts advisor / Supervisor
Lex Rover
09.1988 - 05.1994
General labourer
Granby Contracts
04.1988 - 09.1988
Trainee Parts advisor (YTS)
Beadles Austin Rover
07.1987 - 04.1988
City and Guilds - Auto, Mechanical. Fabrication. Electrical engineering
North West Kent College
09.1985 - 07.1987
CSE English. Maths. Science. Technical drawings - CSE
Northfleet School For Boys
09.1982 - 07.1987