OVERVIEW

The Car Line Manager develops and makes recommendations to Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) Executives and works closely with our parent company Subaru Corporation (SBR) Canada Sales & Marketing team (CSM) to help manage half 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 Senior Director, Product Management & Connected Business and will be based out of Subaru Canada’s head office in Mississauga, Ontario.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong analytical and detail-oriented skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Automotive knowledge is an asset with an understanding of future business trends.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.

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, PIN data, 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).

• Manage car line planning activities including competitive intelligence gathering, market analysis & research, pricing, and sales analysis, utilizing various market research sources (IHS, DesRosiers, JD Power & Maritz) as well as specification information (ex. Autodata) to support strategy and planning initiatives.
• 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 and the utilization of market research tools, dealer feedback and industry analysis.
• Support the Accessory department in its accessory development initiatives for new vehicles.
• Support the Connected Business department in the development and deployment of Starlink Connected Services.
• Work closely with the Accessory and Parts departments, as well as external suppliers to establish Port Accessory and Owner’s Manuals program content and pricing, and support the Parts department in their management of Port Accessory and Owner’s Manuals.
• 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, specification overview, retrofit parts, and mile up programs with Distribution, Public Relations, Subaru Academy, Advertising and Quality Assurance departments.
• 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.