Zone Operations Specialist (COL Zone)

SUMMARY

The Zone Operations Specialist is a high-impact, early-career field role that supports key business functions across Sales, Market Development, Marketing, Training, Fixed Operations, and Retail Operations within Subaru’s Zone field office. This position plays a critical role in driving business planning, executing field initiatives, managing event logistics, and supporting retailer performance. Ideal for someone looking to grow into future field leadership roles, this role offers hands-on experience, cross-functional exposure, and the opportunity to represent the Subaru brand across the region. The significant experience and responsibility of the role provide a foundation to develop the skills necessary to progress into a Subaru Management Associate and District Manager.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains responsibility for creating deck for retailer Planning for Success (PFS) meetings, Executive Kick-off meetings, and Grassroots meetings, which are all critical to the overall success of the Zone. The purpose of these meetings is to communicate and establish significant goals and business plans in the key areas of the business relating to retail sales, hard parts, accessories, customer experience, Added Security, Starlink, digital, and TradeUp performance. The creation of these decks requires compiling, organizing, and analyzing data for the information to be included.
• Event management and planning: Manages events, whose responsibilities include the selection of vendors, requesting and managing creative executions, and placing orders for “giveaway” and prize items.
• Controls the inventory management of promotional items, opt-ins, brochures, and Subaru information.
• Balances a significant budget, processes invoices from vendors, and proves numbers during the analysis with Accountants. Independently manages the activities and responsibilities of employee volunteers and participating retailers. Assumes responsibility for event vehicle inventory. Develops contingency plans for events and independently and quickly responds to unexpected incidents. Successful event management requires a focused, dedicated, hard-working individual with significant customer-handling experience, problem-solving skills, and a strong attention to detail.
• Executes and communicates analytics of program incentives, training initiatives, product launches, and workshops through the understanding of data to be used for Retailer contact visits. Proper delivery to Retailers will result in improved business operations.
• Respond to and execute special projects from upper management in the Zone pertaining to creating reports and data analytics using all systems currently used by District and Zone staff managers. Uses i-Exam, OBI, and Subarunet functionality pertaining to retailers.
• Maintains functionality and efficiency of zone office location. Responds to and resolves, either independently or in consultation with subject matter experts, correspondence, complaints, queries, and facility-related emergencies. This position will spend large amounts of time in the office independently while management-level staff are traveling.
• Updates National Field Operations of the Zone’s 10-days sales estimates along with Weekend Traffic reports for each major metro every Monday by using data from District Sales Managers (DSMs). Analyzes vehicle sales and day supply trends on multiple spreadsheets managed by this position. May assume DSM responsibility when needed.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Compiles and tracks data for Zone Retailer Development Manager with preparation and processing of retailer development activities and documentation, such as Proforma financial statements, prospecting letters, prospecting market data, Signature Facility Program Financial Agreements, and FOX agreement activities, including the process of payments.
• Attends SOA-sponsored training activities to enhance knowledge of Subaru programs and product for future job assignments by involvement in workshops (i.e., share Subaru knowledge with Sales Consultants / Service Advisors at Training Workshops).
• Maintains tracking sheet with progress of in-staff employee training status and any “ad hoc” CSI/Summit/Ascent related reporting and analysis.
• Maintains responsibility for all pool and marketing vehicle activity, documentation, and servicing with local zone retailers.
• Coordinates potential drivers (vendors, product specialists, etc.) of Subaru vehicles who have completed the Driver’s Agreement and ensures they have been approved by Risk Management.
• Prepares documents and activities for new retailer launches, including coordinating retailer personnel and retailer management for training sessions.

REQUIRED SKILLS & PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to successfully manage volunteer workers during events.
• Ability to successfully maintain relationships with local facilities staff.
• Intermediate-to-advanced in Microsoft Office Suite skills (in particular, Word and Excel, and PowerPoint); intermediate-level knowledge of Subaru computer systems such as Business Intelligence (BI)/Foundations/Ascent.
• Strong organizational skills with a fine attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professionalism and knowledge of Subaru products.
• Analytical skills in working with spreadsheets, databases, and reports.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work independently.
• Working knowledge of retailer capital and facility guidelines.
• Possession of or ability to obtain certification for Subaru Foundation (Sales and Service).
• Ability to travel frequently and overnight, as well as to work on weekends when needed (such as when an event occurs on weekends).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 4-Year College Degree (BA, BS) and 2-4 years' experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Required Travel: 35% (travels to retailers and sales/marketing/training events)
• Physical Requirement: Able to lift up to 50+ lbs.
• Driving Required for Role: Valid driver's license required and the incumbent must enroll and maintain approval by internal risk management to operate company vehicles. Able to drive automatic and manual transmission vehicles.

COMPENSATION : The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $72000 - $80000 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Additionally, this role is bonus-eligible, with a target bonus percentage that provides an opportunity to earn even more based on your performance.  (Internal Job Grade: P2).

 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: Fifteen-Thousand-dollar Yearly Benefit
• Vehicle Discount Programs

Visit our Careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.

ABOUT SUBARU

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.