Job Information
Subaru of America Quality Improvement Manager - Parts Collection Center in Lafayette, Indiana
Love. It’s what makes Subaru, Subaru®. As a leading auto brand in the US, we strive to be More Than a Car Company®. Subaru believes in being a positive force in the communities in which we live and work, not just with donations but with actions that set an example for others to follow. That’s what we call our Subaru Love Promise®.
Position Summary
Maintains responsibility for being critical resource to Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) to investigate the cause of the vehicle parts quality issues arising from reported market defects. Promotes improvements according to the importance and priority of the defects until effective countermeasures are incorporated, as well as determines the appropriateness of preventive measures to prevent recurrence.
Reproduces and verifies defective parts returned from the market, maintains responsibility for oversight of and progressing the investigations, determining the cause of the issue, and determining the investigation policy and direction through joint inspection meetings.
Facilitates information sharing with related departments at all times and coordinates and negotiates with them for quality improvement. Collaborates effectively with multiple teams at Subaru including Fast Action & Solution Team (FAST), Subaru of America (SOA), and Subaru Corporation (SBR).
To achieve effective quality investigations, educates and motivates groups and individuals to create an improved or new process and utilizes knowledge to enhance current processes. Manages the work of local staff and trains them in a systematic manner.
Major Responsibilities
Promotes quality improvement measures of flagged up and high priority Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) items and manages and participates in related follow-up meetings. Determines effectiveness of improvement measures by working with stakeholders and makes informed and actionable recommendations. Works as leader in the investigation to understand who to go to and work with, what steps need to be taken, what information is needed for the investigation, and influences negotiations and decisions using subject matter knowledge.
Promotes verification of reproduction of issues for parts returned with defects from the market. Develops a work plan on how to reproduce parts defects. Determines particulars of the plan to include what policies need to be considered, what data needs to be collected, and the structure of the evaluation. Verifies that work plan is compliant in collaboration with members of North American Subaru, Inc. (NASI) Parts Collection Center (PCC) team.
Participates in SIA parts joint inspection meetings, requests SIA to investigate specified parts, and promotes receipt of investigation response within the deadline. Acts as project manager over deadlines, tasks, and priorities. Understands chain of command and uses knowledge, skill, and relationships with various groups to move an investigation to its conclusion.
Verifies the validity of investigation responses (root measures) received from SIA and confirms measures to prevent recurrence, including horizontal expansion to other vehicle systems and specifications.
Promotes response to requests for cooperation from Subaru Corporation (SBR) and parts supplier parent company in Japan via Fast Action & Solution Team (FAST) when SIA (supplier) has difficulty in resolving the issue.
Reviews current relevant policies and processes and implements appropriate changes to these policies based on subject matter and operational knowledge as well as collaboration with NASI practitioners. Drives strategy of effectively integrating best practices and operational changes.
Manages local staff, including career development, performance evaluation, hiring activities, and training.
Maintains responsibility for oversight and completeness of work output of local staff. Manages staff’s prioritization of work and helps staff with their tasks as needed for more complex situations requiring additional subject matter knowledge.
Responds to emergencies related to SIA production vehicles (such as creation of VIN list, information update, inquiry window, etc.).
Additional Responsibilities
Conducts SIA process check and supplier manufacturing process audit to investigate the cause of the issue and confirm the effectiveness of the countermeasure.
Confirms the scope of defects (target vehicles) and confirms the number of vehicles breakpoint (in which the countermeasure is incorporated into the production line.
Participates in quality improvement promotion meetings organized and held by SIA and FAST (including Subaru of America [SOA] and Subaru Canada, Inc. [SCI]) as well as meetings with SBR for urgent and critical cases, prepares materials, and explains the situation.
Confirms details of important Subaru Yard Operations (SYO) (SOA yard) issues to SIA and follows up on the response.
Required Skills and Personal Qualifications
Proven leadership skills in promoting quality improvement initiatives within SIA.
Ability to effectively communicate issues with relevant departments and collaborate on planned resolutions.
In-depth understanding of the structure and function of vehicle components, and ability to engage in technical discussions with FAST and SIA members to diagnose defects.
Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain trust within the team through constant communication and cooperation, ensuring commitments and schedules are met.
Understanding of Japanese business culture and the ability to navigate differences in stance and approach with sensitivity and consideration.
Practical experience in vehicle light maintenance; experience in heavy maintenance is preferred. Must be capable of performing light mechanical duties similar to an automotive technician.
Experience in vehicle parts disassembly, assembly, and related processes.
Familiarity with the technical components of Subaru vehicles is preferred.
Demonstrated experience in managing and leading teams.
Ability to develop comprehensive investigation plans, conduct analyses, and determine optimal actions based on results.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
Proficient computer skills, including expertise in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and Access) and report creation.
Education/Experience Requirements: 4-Year College Degree (BA, BS) and 8-10 years' of relevant experience
Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $111,500 - $150,000 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. (M2) In addition to competitive salary, Subaru offers an amazing benefits package that includes:
Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401K Match Offerings
15 Vacation days, 9 Company Holidays, 5 Floating Holidays, and 5 Sick days
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Vehicle Discount Programs
Visit our careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs!