Car Line Planning Manager

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

The Car Line Planning Manager leads U.S. market strategy for assigned Subaru vehicle lines, overseeing product planning from concept to launch. This role drives business plans, lineup and pricing strategies, and feature development through research, analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. It serves as the key liaison between Subaru of America (SOA) and Subaru Corporation (SBR) to align on product direction, while presenting proposals to executives, engaging retailers, and supporting launch communications. Requires 8–10 years of experience, strong analytical and project management skills, and a passion for the automotive industry.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops innovative business plan proposals for assigned vehicles including product concept; model lineups; standard features content; model year changes; and pricing/profitability targets by objectively interpreting and analyzing raw data; sales information; competitive information; and customer, retailer, and Field input; as well as industry publications. Conducts consensus-building activities for assigned vehicle long-, mid-, and short-range product concept and feature proposals for review and approval by senior management. Presents to executive management these innovative, feasible product concept and feature proposals that reflect the requirements of the entire Subaru of America (SOA) organization.
• Works jointly with the assigned vehicles’ coordinating manager within Subaru Corporation's (SBR’s) North American Sales & Marketing (NASM) department, the SBR Project General Manager, and the SBR Project Team to communicate and implement SOA product concept direction, specifications, model lineup, and component needs within price targets.
• To clarify the early concept proposals for new carlines or full model changes, the following responsibilities may be required: develop target consumer personas; coordinate consumer focus group events; recommend new colors, materials, and finishes; and work with Subaru Research & Development (SRD) offices in Michigan and California to share and gain knowledge needed for future feature and design development.
• Coordinates, as a subject matter expert, the preparation and development of vehicle sales and marketing strategic plans for assigned vehicles by initiating direction through launch meetings and sustaining continuous information flow.
• Manages Subaru retailer product observations and improvement requests and, if applicable, inputs solutions into future product concepts with SBR.
• Communicates to retailers the product concept information for the assigned vehicles through National Retailer Advisory Board (NRAB) product subcommittee meetings, direct input meetings with Region and distributor retailer groups, in-retailer studies, and ongoing communications with key retailers. Presents the future model’s new features and design concepts to all retailers at the National Business Conference (NBC). Supports the Corporate Communication's department new model launch press events by presenting new features and benefits to the media attendees.
• Obtains and shares intelligence on the development of long-range product features, attributes, and model lineups in the U.S. market.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree required
• At least 8-10 years required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, pressured environment in which short-term deadlines and unpredictable extended working hours are a norm.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting large amounts of qualitative and quantitative data in order to develop proposals and recommendations.
• Ability to think creatively and anticipate questions and to proactively