Auto Process Consultant

Role Description

The Automotive Process Consultant will be responsible for implementing and sustaining a LEAN approach to the traditional Express Service model. These LEAN initiatives will be installed on behalf of Volvo Group North America, at select US dealerships within a designated geographic area. This model will provide a pathway for completing 90% of all repairs to the brand’s vehicles. The successful candidate will be a Champion, a Coach, and will secure commitment to change using effective change management principles and by leveraging their personal experiences in retail fixed operations performance improvement.

This role is US-based, primarily in the Mid Atlantic to Boston (Northeast) area or Chicago to Texas (Central) area.

What You’ll Do

• Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment by actively participating, taking responsibility, and following established procedures and policies.
• Function as the subject matter “expert” on the LEAN service concept to Volvo dealers and OE Regional Management in support of program implementation.
• Be the primary “lead” implementer in participating dealers.
• Communicate program content, goals, and objectives to dealership management.
• In conjunction with the Service Manager, develop an Action plan for the implementation as required to meet the agreed upon timeline.
• Be an expert resource on the LEAN principles which are the basis for this LEAN service concept.
• Work on-site with the dealership management and service team to support the implementation and sustainment.
• Provide topic training to the service team and dealership management.
• Assist the dealership in making equipment and shop layout decisions to support the implementation.
• Attend OE Regional Meetings as required to explain and support the implementation with Regional Dealers.
• Be prepared to provide support in North America and Globally as required to support the broader OEM Project.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required and minimum 10 years overall experience in 2 or 3 of the following roles:
• Dealership Technician (with certifications) preferred
• Training (former Technical Trainer is a +PLUS)
• Fixed Operations Consultant (on behalf of OE or technology partner)
• Dealership Service Manager/Management Experience (3 to 5 years)
• Service Advisor
• At least 1-2 years of direct dealership consulting and/or training (preferred)
• Leadership and management skills, including the ability to lead and motivate dealership personnel without direct authority.
• Ability to leverage relationships to identify and sell the business case for change.
• High proficiency for analyzing data from dealer financials and operational assessments to establish improvement plans.
• Ability to establish and implement effective metrics to keep dealerships focused on the growth and customer satisfaction improvement opportunity and, overall ROI.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent project management skills, with ability to manage milestones and next steps to completion.
• Solid understanding of retail dealership industry and changing technology and customer expectations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Proven effectiveness working independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with dealer management systems (CDK; Reynolds; etc) and with PC applications in a Windows environment.
• The service concept is based on LEAN Management principles. Although the OEM client will provide extensive training on the program and underlying principles, experience with LEAN Management would be a major advantage.

Physical Considerations

• Ability to work in a general office environment.
• Ability to handle extended periods of computer-based work, including telephone.
• Ability to lift 25-50lbs (luggage).

Travel Considerations

• Domestic travel required, estimated up to 75%.

Benefits

• Compensation: The base pay for this position is $90,000 annually to $95,000 annually. Actual pay is based on several factors including market location and position-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Health & Well-being Benefits:
• Health care benefits: medical & prescription, dental, vision (including Domestic Partners)
• Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity supplemental insurance
• Company Health Savings Account contribution
• Flexible Spending Account for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Paid time off such as vacation, sick leave, and floating holidays
• Mental and emotional support resources through our Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program to increase activity and health habits, with ability to earn participation rewards
• Paid Parental Leave
• Travel Assist (Domestic/International)
• Financial Benefits:
• Participation in a 401(k) plan, with an employer match
• Company paid Short- & Long-Term Disability benefits
• Group term life insurance with options to buy-up for self and others
• Tax-free Service Awards
• Growth and Development Benefits:
• Education Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Internal training and development resources to grow your career
• LEAD Forward Leadership Development Program
• Annual Career Goal Setting and Performance Review cycle participation

Additional Position Details

• Reports to: Automotive, VP of Operations
• Work Model: Remote
• Work Location: US-based Remote
• Supervises Others: No
• Status: Full-time
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Visa Sponsorship Eligibility: This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
• Relocation Eligibility: This position is not eligible for relocation.