SUMMARY:

Responsible for defining sales and brand training strategy for the field and retailer staff and executing development of materials and programs to meet corporate objectives. Serves as the primary headquarters field liaison between National Retail Operations Training and Regional/Zone/Distributor retail operations training teams.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drives Sales and Brand training through the assessment of training needs (what retailer staff needs and what Subaru of America [SOA] corporate requires to meet company goals) and the development of professional-level curriculum (both in-house and in cooperation with selected vendors) to attain company objectives. Creates training programs that focus on continually integrating selling skills with product knowledge and the Love Promise while improving the sales process and customer experience.
• Manages the Subaru Foundations platform in conjunction with the National Fixed Operations Training Manager – including vendor management, budget oversight, and driving continuous improvement of platform to improve end-user experience. Works with National Product Training Manager, National Training Manager – Leads and Digital Strategy, National Fixed Operations Training Manager, and National Love Promise Customer Commitment Manager in development of training assets, resources, and instructor-led and web-based programs.
• Provides orientation at Subaru of America (SOA) for new Zone Retailer Training Managers (ZRTMs) to familiarize them with Retail Operations Training Department staff managers and functions of each area.
  • Provides “train the trainer” function with ZRTMs, in conjunction with Regional Product Training Managers (RPTMs), to coach, guide, and help direct their effort. Provides tools and guidance on the extension of learning through the District Sales Managers (DSMs).
  • Assists RPTMs in performing skills assessment of the ZRTMs and determining action plans to address needs as part of an ongoing improvement process.
• Partners with the National Product Training Manager to produce Retailer Driving Events; this includes managing registration, logistics, budget, and locations. Works with the RPTMs for field messaging and seat fill.
• Produces annual Training Development Conference. Determines training opportunities through partnership with department staff, Regional Customer Experience Managers, and RPTMs and determines if agenda meets team needs. Develops schedule for the conference, sources any outside trainer(s) to be used, coordinates activities for the event, and provides field communications for the conference.
• Produces annual New Retailer Orientation (NRO). Works with multiple SOA departments to determine critical content to be presented each year. Works with Market Development to identify retailers to be included (and what areas attending retailers need training in based on program participation, etc.). Shares retailer attendee information to SOA host team to ensure that presentations match attendee profiles. Develops the schedule for the conference including coordination with Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) for plant tours and test track availability. Leads vendor planning for drive event and program execution.
• Acts as departmental lead in coordinating the training portion of the National Training Conference (NTC) and coordinates the activities of the ZRTMs and RPTMs to execute the field training exercises.
• Coordinates the activities of the ZRTMs and RPTMs at the National Business Conference, assigning responsibilities and providing field communications.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides regular and timely communication to the field of Retail Operations Training initiatives.
• Serves as department liaison for the rollout and implementation of new Sales programs and processes. Communicates to the field to help ensure a successful rollout.
• Manages Retail Operations Training event calendar, ensuring that Region and Zone staff have an accurate picture of national training needs approximately six (6) to twelve (12) months out to be able to plan for activities such as Star Academies, Retailer Drive Programs, New Retailer Orientation, etc.
• Coordinates scheduling and activities for Management Associate (MA) rotation for the Retail Operations Training department.
• Manages special projects as needed.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of retailer operations at both retail and wholesale.
• Self-starter and deadline oriented.
• Knowledge of adult learning theories and the ability to communicate recommendations for training approach.
• Extraordinary communication, facilitation, coaching, and 1-on-1 skills in any environment – dedicated to fostering improvement in others.
• Ability to observe, analyze, and provide constructive feedback/coaching to facilitators.
• Ability to maintain certification in all Sales/Fixed Operations brand, product, technology, and skills courses.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills – must be able to communicate effectively with employees at all levels in the organization, retailers, and outside vendors and establish strong, mutually beneficial relationships internally and externally within the organization.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that satisfied the requirements of SOA Driving Record Evaluation Criteria Policy.
  • Must be approved as an “Authorized Driver” by Risk Management to operate vehicles prior to vehicle operation.
  • Must be able operate all Subaru products including manual transmissions vehicles.
• Training experience with other auto manufacturers or other automotive-related training companies preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

4 Year College Degree or Equivalent Experience (10-12 Years)

SALARY RANGE: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $108,200 - $154,500. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.