The Car Line Manager develops and makes recommendations to Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) Executives and works closely with our parent company Subaru Corporation’s North American Sales & Marketing team (NASM) to help manage part of Subaru’s product portfolio for the Canadian market. The Car Line Manager also works closely with the SCI Business Planning team to ensure profit objectives are attainable.

The incumbent will report to the Sr. Director, Product Management & Connected Business and will be based out of Subaru Canada’s head office in Mississauga, ON (hybrid workstyle).

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Manage car line planning activities utilizing intelligence gathering, market analysis, pricing, and sales analysis, utilizing various market research sources (IHS, DesRosiers, JD Power & Maritz) as well as specification information (ex. Autodata).
• Work closely with NASM to negotiate and develop competitive vehicle configuration and market positioning strategies including vehicle trim configuration, colour and grade management.
• Develop product and pricing proposals, making recommendations to the Sr. Director of Product Management, and communicating proposals to the SCI Executive for approval.
• Manage car line MSRP pricing, model mix, planning volume and SCI vehicle profitability levels through the ownership of Price Margin studies utilizing market research tools, dealer feedback and industry analysis.
• Support the Connected Business department in development and ongoing vehicle activities for the respective car lines.
• Guide Specialist, Product Management in vehicle launch committee initiatives for new models, supporting launch planning activities through the communication of key launch timing, new product information and key messaging.
• Work closely with the Accessory and Parts departments, as well as external suppliers to establish Port Accessory program content and pricing.
• Manage communications of detailed product information, product ordering information and confidential pricing information within SCI and to Subaru dealers and industry contacts.
• Coordinate launch vehicle ordering and specification overview with Distribution, Public Relations, Subaru Academy, Advertising and Quality Assurance departments.
• Guide Specialist, Product Management in the development and approval of final versions of SCI marketing and launch materials such as brochures, press kits and releases, website content and product guides.
• Serve as the key product contact, providing expert product knowledge support to Subaru dealers, Sales, Subaru Academy, Distribution and Customer Care teams as required.
• Manage departmental financial planning, budgeting, and invoicing activities, working closely with the Business Planning and Accounting departments to ensure budgets are met.
• Provide additional support to SCI departments and SBR through various research studies and special project coordination on an ad-hoc basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills / Attributes:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Detail oriented.
• Strong work ethic.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry.
• Knowledge of basic financials and accounting.

Qualifications:

• University degree in Business Administration or related field.
• 5-10 years of automotive related Product Planning, Marketing, Pricing and Product Management experience.
• Advanced PC skills (Microsoft applications including Excel with Macro writing and PowerPoint).
• Expert knowledge of Mtab, JD Power PIN ISR, Autoplanner, IHS Catalyst and/or Jato.
• Valid driver’s license (with ability to operate a manual transmission car an asset).
• Bilingualism an asset (English and French or Japanese).

Physical Conditions:

• Travel within North America and Japan, and overtime may be required.
• Extended computer use.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to recruiting@subaru.ca no later than May 5, 2024, and reference Job ID # CLM – 24.07 and your first and last name in the subject field.

*The posting may close early if a suitable number of applications are received.

When applying, please ensure that you include your salary expectations (range). Thank you.

All applicants are welcome; however, only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Please note that Subaru Canada, Inc. has a vaccination policy in place and subject to accommodation on human rights grounds, all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID19.

Subaru is committed to employment equity and encourages all qualified including Aboriginal peoples, persons with disability and members of visible minorities to apply.
We are also committed to providing accommodation for people with disability.  Please let us know if you require accommodation at any time during our recruiting process.

Background checks will be conducted during the final stages of the recruiting process.