Quality Improvement Department Manager - Parts Collection Center
About The Position
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).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree (Required)
- High School Diploma with equivalent experience in lieu of a degree (Required)
- 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)
- 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
- 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
Nice To Haves
- Experience with technical components of Subaru vehicles (Preferred)
Responsibilities
- Leads Quality Improvement Investigations for SIA
- Develops Defect Reproduction and Verification Strategies
- Responds to Critical and Urgent Quality Issues
- Drives Policy and Process Improvements
- Manages Department Personnel
- Oversees Work Output and Prioritization
- Responds to SIA Production Vehicle Emergencies
- Coordinates Escalation with SBR and Suppliers in Japan
- Subaru Yard Operations (SYO) Coordination
- Team Monitoring and Direction
- Process Checks and Supplier Audits
- Defect Scope and Breakpoint Confirmation
- Quality Improvement Meetings and Reporting
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
