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
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