Zone Retailer Training Manager (CAL Zone) Costa Mesa, CA Area

Subaru of America; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 92,100 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Pension, profit-sharing, and 401(k) match offerings

15 vacation days, 5 floating holidays, and 5 sick days

Tuition reimbursement program: $15,000 yearly benefit

Vehicle discount programs

Job summary

A leading automobile manufacturer is seeking an experienced training manager in Costa Mesa, CA. This role involves developing and executing training programs for Retailer and District staff while serving as a subject-matter expert for the brand and its technologies. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a four-year degree or equivalent experience, and maintain proper certifications. The position offers a competitive salary of $92,100 – $120,000 per year along with a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Maintain certification in all Sales/Fixed Operations Brand, Product, Technology, and Skills courses.
• Possess a valid driver's license and maintain a good driving record.
• Able to operate manual-transmission vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute training engagements for onboarding and new-product launches.
• Support regional and national training initiatives.
• Act as the go-to subject-matter expert in the zone.

Skills

Energetic and inspiring

Extraordinary communication skills

Coaching ability

Ability to work evenings and weekends

Education

Four-year college degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Summary

Responsible for the delivery of high‑quality engaging, informative, and accurate coaching and education of all non‑technical Retailer, District, and Zone Staff, and for acting as the zone subject‑matter expert for the Subaru brand, processes, initiatives, carlines, and vehicle technologies. The role is based out of our Costa Mesa, CA office and involves traveling throughout the CAL Zone.

Major Responsibilities

• Develop and execute training engagements to support onboarding, new‑product launches, and as‑needed training through a variety of training mediums including in‑person, on‑car, and web/virtual engagements.
  • Identify training gaps and needs for the zone through analysis of OBI reports, internal research, and third‑party studies.
  • Review, monitor, and administer initiatives in Service and Purchase OLP and NPS. Collaborate with zone staff to develop improvement strategies and plans (including PFS) based on OLP and NPS scores.
  • Prioritize District/Retailer needs for most effective execution of product training, sales‑process training, and customer‑experience improvement.
• Collaborate closely with Zone, Regional, and National Training teams to support initiatives that inform, educate, and evaluate Zone, District, and Retail staff.
  • Support Regional and National Training Initiatives including National Training Conference (NTC), National Business Conference (NBC), Retailer Driving Programs (RDP), Love Encore STAR Academies, EV Certification Programs, and Fixed Operations engagements.
  • Manage zone seat fill rates for EV Certifications, Love Encore STAR Academies, Retailer Driving Programs, and other Zone/Local engagements.
• Serve as the go‑to subject‑matter expert in the zone for all Subaru brand, product, technology, and skill‑related curriculum – including Love Encore and Starlink. Understand and explain basic automotive theories, emerging technologies, competitive products, and general automotive industry trends.
• Manage and oversee additional initiatives and projects as assigned by the zone director – including overseeing vendor personnel (e.g., Shift Digital), call‑tracking and phone initiatives, NPS, and Starlink.
• Contribute to overall customer‑experience improvement initiatives through training support and collaboration with Customer Experience teams.
• Contribute to overall fixed‑operations improvement initiatives through training support and collaboration with Aftersales teams.
• Coordinate and/or provide support at marketing events, displays, and auto shows as needed.
• Expertise in navigation and reporting within OBI, PINNACLE, and Foundations systems. Coach others in successful usage.
• Manage the zone training budget to support training and promotional needs.
• Source and coordinate off‑site venues to conduct instructor‑led presentations, vehicle walk‑arounds, and other training engagements.
• Act as the zone escalation point person for district managers regarding the Owner Loyalty Survey Exception process – review requests and determine whether escalation to the Regional Customer Experience Manager is warranted.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Exemplifies STARFULLNESS: energetic, inspiring, positive, empowering, inclusive, informative, and dedicated to fostering improvement in others.
• Extraordinary communication, facilitation, coaching, and one‑on‑one skills in any environment.
• Maintain certification in all Sales/Fixed Operations Brand, Product, Technology, and Skills courses.
• Possess a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that satisfies SOA Driving Record Evaluation Criteria Policy.
  • Approved as an "Authorized Driver" by Risk Management to operate vehicles prior to vehicle operation.
  • Able to operate all Subaru products, including manual‑transmission vehicles.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends to support events and training.

Educational & Experience Requirements

• Four‑year college degree or equivalent experience (6‑8 years).

Compensation

The recruiting base salary range for this full‑time position is $92,100 – $120,000 per year. Within the range, pay is determined by factors such as job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. (Internal Job Grade: M1)

Why Join Us?

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision plans.
• Pension, profit‑sharing, and 401(k) match offerings.
• 15 vacation days, 5 floating holidays, 5 sick days, and 9 company holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement program: $15,000 yearly benefit.
• Vehicle discount programs.

Learning & Development

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Direct partnership with senior leadership.
• Formal mentorship program.
• LinkedIn Learning license.

Visit our Careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.

About Subaru

Love. It's what makes Subaru, Subaru®. As a leading auto brand in the U.S., 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.

Seniority Level

Not Applicable

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Sales and Business Development

Industries

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing