Accessory Product Sourcing Manager at Subaru of America, Inc. in Camden, New Jersey

Job Description:

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.

SUMMARY
Maintains responsibility for independent oversight and responsibility for all Subaru of America (SOA)/Accessory Supplier business relationships. Maintains complete responsibility for the strategic sourcing of all accessories for SOA. Guides the overall evaluation and integration of over 75 accessory suppliers and leads a team of advanced Product Sourcing Specialists who must be able to address any supplier issues. Leverages expert understanding of both technical and business processes to liaise with suppliers to resolve problems that have been escalated by other functional managers for Sourcing intervention.
Initiatives and directives of the Product Sourcing Department are ultimately reflected in the Fixed Operations Department sales goals. Decisions will impact Subaru's price competitiveness, product development, and warranty expense which directly affects corporate profit and customer satisfaction. Serves as key contributor in determining accessory department business plans and strategies.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Cultivates the supplier base into the strategy of the overarching Accessory Department roadmap.
• Evaluates and facilitates the procurement of accessories that meet SOA and Subaru Corporation (SBR) requirements. Establishes SOA competitive position and supplier performance to ensure that products are in line with automotive industry standards. Contributes to SOA and SBR's Long Range Business Plans by actively seeking innovative ways to reduce accessories costs.
• Leads a multi-functional team to conduct a full "Vetting Process" for new suppliers to ensure that their facilities, experience, and capabilities meet SOA supplier standards. Independently directs technical design proposal evaluations, pricing negotiations, and contract and business flow negotiations with supplier executive management, program award decisions, and supplier relations.
• Drives continuous supplier performance improvement by collecting, analyzing, and publishing bi-annual Subaru Accessory Supplier Ratings.
• Collaborates with functional managers in order to facilitate resolution of escalated vendor issues. Oversees all aspects of supplier performance to ensure compliance with terms and conditions of Purchase Agreements.
• Provides guidance for all efforts and budgets related to the annual "Subaru Supplier Excellence Awards" event and Quality Managers Conference. Efforts include award presentations, gifts, hand-outs, decorations, etc. Selects guest speakers and acts as the master of ceremony for the events.
• Collaborates with the Warranty Group to evaluate SOA Supplier warranty expense performance. Assists in and occasionally directs activities to ensure that maximum warranty expense is recovered from suppliers according to the terms of Corporate Purchase Agreements.
• Coordinates with Accessory Quality Assurance Managers, Advanced Quality Assurance Manager, and Project Engineering Managers to audit vendor production facilities and review manufacturing quality standards and procedures for current accessory programs.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Coordinates with event planners for off-site meetings to include venue evaluation and resources for food and beverage, Audio Visual, travel, ground transportation, and group activities.
• Leads the accessory team participation in professional trade show activities.
• Leads any government compliance initiatives involving the Accessory Group.
• Manages and maintains the "Subaru SIX" Supplier Management Software platform.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS
• At least five (5) years' experience in procurement and in supplier relations, product development, and contract and price negotiations. In addition, engineering degree and/or technical knowledge and background in manufacturing, tooling, and packaging.
• Highly developed negotiating skills and broad experience in the automotive or a related industry.
• Accomplished in all Microsoft Office products with the highest level of proficiency in Excel and Outlook as well as skills in data management and analysis.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: BA/BS degree with 10-12 years' experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Hybrid Role: Remote work 2 days per week (After 90 Days Onboarding)
• Required Travel: 15-30%
• Ability to lift up to 75lbs (lift and open boxes of supplier samples)

COMPENSATION: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $111500 - 159200 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. (Internal Job Grade: 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
• Visit our Careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.