Accessory Sales Operations Manager

Company Background

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®.

Subaru is a globally renowned automobile manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. With a rich history dating back to 1953, Subaru has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering to deliver vehicles that offer not only exceptional performance but also a unique blend of utility and adventure.

Subaru's company culture is built on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for our product. We foster an inclusive environment that encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. Our team members are driven by a common goal: to create exceptional vehicles that inspire and delight our customers.

Position Summary

Acts as the Accessory Group point person to internal Subaru of America (SOA) departments, the Field, and vendors for creation and management of Accessory Application Charts, Accessory Pricing, and the Retail Accessory creation and Management system (RAM), ensuring accessory data accuracy and accessory applicability. Evaluates and synthesizes information from multiple sources in order to establish an accurate reference document using outstanding Excel skills and database experience.

Major Responsibilities

• Accessory Application Operations:
  • Maintains responsibility for the creation of accessory application charts for all vehicle lines and ensures that they are maintained and updated throughout the year. Validates and approves charts that are developed by Specialist
  • Utilizes the Retail Accessory Management (RAM) system for the distribution of accessory pricing and applications to all "downstream" business units, including Product Management and the independent distributors (Subaru New England [SNE] and Subaru Distributors Corp. [SDC]).
  • Ensures that RAM and processes are running as expected, addressing issues with Information Technology (IT) and/or other internal stakeholders, and proposes, creates, and approves solutions to inefficiencies or problems. Determines and decides which system updates are needed based on the demands of the business. Develops and manages detailed project schedules that account for dependencies between projects. Defines project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Vehicle Distribution Department Coordination:
  • Functions as Parts Department’s accessory coordinator with the Distribution Department for applications and rules in Oracle (Subaru Allocation Manager [SAM]) for each accessory; serves as subject matter expert for accessories including pricing, vehicle model compatibility, sales strategy, and function, as well as how this information affects Distribution Department processes.
  • Works with Distribution team on accessory launch publishing status, abiding by vehicle allocation timing and SAM system rules.
  • Closely interacts with the Distribution, Sales, and Advanced Quality Assurance (AQA) teams to ensure accuracy of all accessory applications including bulk and individually packaged accessories.
  • Serves as managerial support during unexpected, high priority issues. Pivots focus quickly and multi-tasks in order to address competing and critical priorities. Uses understanding of Accessory Group operations in order to add input and act as project manager to resolve and respond to crucial matters.
• Accessory Launch Coordination:
  • Functions as Parts Department’s accessory coordinator (direct point of contact) for each new accessory product launch.
  • Closely interacts with several Subaru of America (SOA) internal departments: Product Development, Distribution, Pricing, Inventory (ordering, regional distribution center [RDC] stock, and bill of materials), Marketing, and AQA Accessory Training to ensure that all teams are ready for launch and have accurately completed all required tasks.
  • Manages multiple accessory product launches, tracks activities and milestones, analyzes variances to plan, and works with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that all goals are met.
• Accessory Pricing Operations:
  • Determines all post-launch accessory pricing changes, ensuring that Subaru pricing and profit margins are maintained. Evaluates and negotiates Subaru Corporation (SBR) pricing changes.
  • Establishes port-installed pricing configuration to include final labor rates provided by Service and Sales Distribution/Port Operations/AQA Accessory Training. Consolidates data from multiple groups to account for manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) as well as port labor rates and balances profit margins with affordability.
  • Reviews port-installed pricing and confirms accuracy of all final accessory pricing, passing all pricing structures and related information to the Parts and Accessory Pricing Manager for processing with SOA Accounting.
  • Conducts monthly audits of all labor times to ensure consistency and accuracy. Receives labor time data from Sales Distribution team and compares against expected, ensuring that pricing is still accurately accounting for labor time and working with Sales Distribution to address and correct any discrepancies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Utilizes the Accessory Inventory team’s “Accessory Closeout Specials” list to suggest targeted MSRP price reductions for noted accessories, ensuring attractive discount pricing and margin structures to facilitate the sales of products with excess stock. “Accessory Closeout Specials” list is updated and communicated to the Regions and retailers on a periodic basis.

Required Skills and Personal Qualifications

• Automotive knowledge, including industry and competitor product knowledge.
• Familiarity with and knowledge of Subaru accessories preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Excel and ability to gain competencies in various database applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication as well as data reporting and data management skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to complete detailed, comprehensive financial and quantitative data analysis and to review analysis projects completed by direct reports.
• Ability to flex focus quickly and effectively into various areas of the department that require attention based on management priorities and unexpected events.
• Experienced problem-solving skills.

Education/Experience Requirements : BA/BS with 6 to 8 years of relevant experience

Work Environment

• Hybrid Role: Remote work 2 days per week (After 90 Days Onboarding)
• Internal Work Environment: Prolonged sitting at desk and working on computer
• Physical demands: Ability to lift up to 25lbs.
• Required Travel: 5%

Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $89400- $127600 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. (M1) 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
• See our Careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.