Zone Retailer Development 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.

Major Responsibilities

The Zone Retailer Development Manager reports to the Zone Director. This is the Zone front line position to strengthen the dealer body and is the zone level champion of individual retailer planning and brand presence in the markets.

• Ability to recommend facility improvements that will assist in increasing overall sales and enhancing customers’ experience and loyalty to individual retailers.
• Manage Subaru facilities support program.
• Work with the district teams to improve the financial results at loss and low profit/low return retailers. Track action items via PFS and ensure the district team is following up on the retailer commitments.
• Launch a new retailer and ensure the retailer understands Subaru programs, has a launch advertising plan (tracking/reporting should be handled by the zone marketing and/or district team), receives the right inventory mix and level to achieve the targeted sales objectives during the first six months and completes any commitments made to the Subaru franchise.
• Track district level progress against the actions of PFS.
• Upgrade or replace poor performing retailers through buy/sells, capital infusion or upgrade in personnel.
• Responsible for timely retailer agreement renewals
• Ensures Subaru brand compliance with a retailer's facility and signage.
• Fill open points by identifying strong performers with good capital and good facilities that are properly located. In conjunction with the Regional Vice President and Zone Director, select retailer candidates.
• With assistance from the Regional Market Development Coordinators, gather the documents from the retailer candidates that are necessary to obtain SOA approval.
• Ensure adequate paper trail - PFS sheets, contact reports, retailer letters and retailer email communications, and to document and support a legal action, if needed.

Required Skills and Personal Qualifications

• Strong expertise in the ability to review, interpret and analyze retailer financial statements and records in order to make appropriate recommendations to retailer and/or management.
• Excellent organization and time management skills, highly successful at handling multiple priorities
• Exceptional Communication skills; articulate, can ‘think on your feet’, expertly present to an audience in person and on paper, effectively listens and recognizes the value of others perception. Initiates open dialogue and candid discussions.
• Strong interpersonal and leaderships skills; respectful, positive and professional demeanor, team player, excellent negotiator and mediator, initiates the exchange of ideas.
• Outstanding Customer Focus Skills; customer first, ethical, positive/productive relationships
• Excellent at Managing and Adapting to Change; flexible, creative and brings innovation to job, anticipates and acts, influences others to adapt, risk taker, problem solver, shows excellent judgement, commits to self-improvement, seeks out and successfully uses feedback.
• Displays strong Passion and Drive: energetic, projects a strong positive presence; committed to the job, motivates, inspires and empowers others; cooperative and reliable.
• At least 50% or more travel depending on Market activity.

Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable or probationary under the SOA Driving Record Evaluation Criteria Policy. Must be approved as an "Authorized Driver" by Risk Mgmt. to operate company vehicle prior to vehicle operation.

Education/Experience Requirements: 4-year college degree (BA, BS) and 8-10 years' experience

FLSA: Exempt

Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $115000 - $159200 / 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
• See our Careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.

Internal Job Grade: M2