Quality Improvement Department Manager - Parts Collection Center

Job Summary
As a department manager, this role manages the overall quality control process, talent, and facility/equipment of the Parts Collection Center (PCC). Responsibilities include motivating department members, leveraging in‑depth knowledge to enhance current processes, and accurately identifying operational issues to implement effective improvements.

The main areas of responsibility are: (1) quality improvement at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) and (2) expanding PCC’s capabilities for investigating defective parts returned from the market.

For quality improvement at SIA, this role serves as a critical resource to investigate the causes of vehicle parts quality issues arising from reported market defects. Based on input and recommendations from the Vice President (VP) and other PCC department members, this role determines the priority and significance of each defect case, promotes improvements until effective countermeasures are incorporated, and determines the appropriateness of preventive measures to prevent recurrence.

For expanding PCC’s investigation capabilities, this role develops strategic plans and leads reproduction and verification of defects using returned market parts. This role carries out or oversees investigations, determines root cause, and develops investigation policy and direction through joint inspection meetings.

Ensures continuous information sharing with related departments and coordinates and negotiates with them for quality improvement. Collaborates effectively with Fast Action & Solution Team (FAST), Subaru of America (SOA), and Subaru Corporation (SBR).

Primary Responsibilities

Leads Quality Improvement Investigations for SIA
• Serves as the investigation leader for flagged‑up and high‑priority SIA quality issues
• Manages and participates in related follow‑up meetings
• Guides department members in determining the effectiveness of improvement measures
• Works with stakeholders to make informed and actionable recommendations
• Leads investigation planning by identifying necessary steps, information, and stakeholders
• Influences negotiations and decisions using subject matter knowledge

Develops Defect Reproduction and Verification Strategies
• Develops strategies and work plans to promote verification of defect reproduction for returned market parts
• Identifies applicable policies, required data, and evaluation structure
• Creates detailed and actionable investigation plans
• Monitors timelines and progress in collaboration with PCC members

Responds to Critical and Urgent Quality Issues
• Conducts thorough investigations for complex, urgent, and critical quality reports from the market or SIA
• Immediately reports findings to relevant departments and executive members
• Determines and directs action plans for timely implementation

Drives Policy and Process Improvements
• Reviews relevant policies and processes
• Implements appropriate changes based on subject matter expertise and operational knowledge
• Collaborates with North American Subaru, Inc. (NASI) practitioners
• Drives integration of best practices and operational improvements

Manages Department Personnel
• Manages local department members, including career development, performance evaluation, hiring, and training

Oversees Work Output and Prioritization
• Maintains responsibility for completeness and quality of work output
• Manages staff prioritization and provides support for complex situations requiring deeper subject matter expertise

Responds to SIA Production Vehicle Emergencies
• Responds to emergencies related to SIA production vehicles, including VIN list creation, information updates, and inquiry windows

Coordinates Escalation with SBR and Suppliers in Japan
• Initiates and accelerates cooperation requests with Subaru Corporation (SBR) and supplier parent companies in Japan when SIA or suppliers face resolution challenges
• Works closely with Fast Action & Solution Team (FAST)

Additional Responsibilities

Subaru Yard Operations (SYO) Coordination
• Confirms details of important Subaru Yard Operations (SOA yard) issues with SIA and follows up on responses

Team Monitoring and Direction
• Regularly meets with the team to review accomplishments and progress
• Provides clear direction for next actions

Process Checks and Supplier Audits
• Conducts SIA process checks and supplier manufacturing process audits
• Confirms root cause and effectiveness of countermeasures

Defect Scope and Breakpoint Confirmation
• Confirms defect scope (target vehicles)
• Confirms vehicle breakpoint where countermeasures are incorporated into production

Quality Improvement Meetings and Reporting
• Participates in quality improvement promotion meetings organized by SIA and FAST (SOA and Subaru Canada, Inc. [SCI])
• Participates in meetings with Subaru Corporation (SBR) for urgent and critical cases
• Prepares materials and explains investigation status and findings

Job Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education
• Bachelor’s Degree (Required)
• High School Diploma with equivalent experience in lieu of a degree (Required)

Work Experience
• At least 8–10 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree (Required)
• At least 10–12 years of experience without a bachelor’s degree (Required)

Skills

• Experience managing people and leading teams
• Ability to take a leadership role in promoting SIA quality improvement
• Ability to share information on issues in a timely manner and work in a planned approach to resolution
• Strong understanding of vehicle component structure and function
• Ability to engage in technical discussions with FAST and SIA to determine defect causes
• Ability to build and maintain trust through communication, cooperation, and reliability
• Understanding of Japanese business culture and ability to coordinate and negotiate effectively
• Practical experience in vehicle light maintenance; heavy maintenance experience preferred
• Ability to perform light mechanical duties similar to an automotive technician
• Experience with vehicle parts disassembly and assembly
• Experience with technical components of Subaru vehicles (Preferred)
• Ability to develop investigation plans, analyses, and determine best actions based on results
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast‑paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Access, and report creation

Location

•  Office Location: Lafayette, IN

•  Hybrid Role: Hybrid Role - Remote work 2 days per week (after 90 days) [Wednesdays & Fridays]

Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $115,000 – $165,000 per year, depending on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Subaru offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401(k) match
• Paid time off, company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Vehicle Discount Programs
Visit our Careers site to learn more about Subaru’s total rewards and benefits.

About Subaru
LOVE. It’s what makes Subaru, Subaru®. As a leading auto brand in the U.S., 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 through 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 continues to push the boundaries of automotive engineering to deliver vehicles that blend performance, utility, and adventure.
Our culture is built on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for our product. We foster an inclusive environment where team members are encouraged to bring their unique perspectives and expertise together to create exceptional experiences for our customers.