Field Service Training Manager - Subaru of America, Inc.

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®.

Position Summary

Manages all aspects of the technical training effort in specified areas of responsibility, which has a direct impact on maximizing retailer technical knowledge and resulting profits, minimizing Subaru of America (SOA) warranty costs and buybacks, and ensuring customer satisfaction (fixed right the first time) resulting in improved loyalty and retention. Cultivates the growth of apprentice technicians to replace retailers' existing labor force turnover due to attrition, validates expertise of and maintains continuing development of veteran technicians, and maximizes Subaru exposure in supporting the community at large through industry involvement programs. Maintains communication with internal and external contacts to support retailer technician education, strengthened Subaru University (Subaru-U) engagement locally, field quality assurance, facility management and inventory and asset management.

Major Responsibilities

• Plans both short- and long-term processes, prioritizes and manages daily operations towards optimal performance and execution of activities in assigned Area Training Center (ATC) to ensure efficiency and quality assurance despite heavy workloads and competing priorities. Makes quality decisions to implement policies for the local training center and retailers.
• Exercises quality judgment and authority to implement policies and practices that impact the area retailers and SOA.
• Serves as a Project Manager responsible for completing major projects with critical scope and high value activities, following established guidelines to ensure projects are completed within recognized timelines and deadlines. These activities include projects with potential high financial impact to Subaru.
• Determines priority on critical and difficult issues relating to field technical development, delivery and training activities.
• Negotiates and resolves local issues and complaints on behalf of Subaru and the local retailers.
• Serves as a feedback mechanism on course quality, retailer engagement and perceived retailer value to upper level management.
• Maintains thorough and deep connections between internal (SOA, vendor/supplier) and external (other brands, aftermarket, schools, associations, and boards) groups to stay current on the latest industry trends, vehicle conditions, repair methods and diagnostic information.
• Manages the proper maintenance and operational condition of ATC including resources valued at $1.2 MM+ such as SOA training vehicles, tools, equipment and shop supplies, following and accounting for SOA facility and budget guidelines and protocols.
• Conducts assessments of preparation techniques and methodologies in course/class delivery and design including coordination of training calendars and schedules, providing assessments and reports for management review.
• Assesses class make-up to optimize delivery in training retailer, zone, regional and national and international (other global distributors) personnel on technical operation, servicing, diagnosis, repair skills and processes necessary to properly service and repair current and older Subaru product. Training activities include facilitating standard instructor led courses at ATCs and oversight of Skills Assessment/Test Out courses ensuring the integration of current critical content to enhance vehicle ownership, customer satisfaction loyalty and retention.
• Act as a subject matter expert for local secondary and post-secondary automotive vocational programs within the ATC's service area including facilitating guest instruction and ATC tours. Serves as primary retailer technician development counselor working with Service Managers to ensure breadth and depth of training across SOA vehicle systems to ensure optimal service and maintenance of retailer seven-year Units in Operation (UIO).

Additional Responsibilities

• Engages and promotes professional relationships among industry and community professionals/organizations to enhance Subaru presence in the community.
• Engages in professional relationships between SOA, retailers, Subaru-U schools and field.
• Oversees charitable distribution of assets towards enhancing and advancing automotive courses at select automotive vocational facilities throughout the US supported by SOA.
• Involved in and supports the automotive community at large, through active participation in/on local automotive technology school advisory boards, local trade and other associations.
• Introduces Subaru brand, product, operation and technology to automotive schools through crucial training of vocational instructors annually through national vocational and AYES seminars.

Required Skills and Personal Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree (e.g., Associate's Degree and at least 4 years of teaching or automotive-related work experience)
• Strong instruction and course evaluation skills
• Ability to multi-task both physically and digitally.
• Strong conflict resolution and creative thinking skills.
• Strong organization, planning and time management skills.
• Strong background in hands-on automotive repair and diagnosis.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate with all level of internal and external contacts.
• Ability to give constructive feedback and direction to others.
• Ability to work on vehicles in a shop environment and follow established safety guidelines.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record deemed acceptable by SOA Driving Record Evaluation Criteria Policy. Must be approved as an "authorized driver" by Risk Management to operate a company vehicle to vehicle operation.
• ASE Certification required A1-A8, L1 and G1 preferred.

Education/Experience Requirements: BA/BS (or equivalent work experience) with 6 to 8 years of relevant experience

Work Environment

• Ability to lift up to 75lbs.
• Must be able to move equipment and training aides weighing up to 400 pounds complying with appropriate OSHA lifting standards/ equipment.
• Must maintain facilities to comply with high standards of applicable Subaru, ISO, and EPA recycling standards or laws.
• Must be able to drive a manual transmission equipped vehicle.

Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $89400- $115000 / 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.