Auto Shows and Events Manager

Company Background 

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.

Position Summary

Manages Subaru of America’s (SOA’s) national auto show program, consisting of 40+ shows per year. Supports corporate strategy by developing and executing press conferences for vehicle introductions at the auto shows, as well as enhancing attendee engagement at the auto shows with consumer ride & drive programs. Manages all aspects of Subaru’s annual National Business Conference (retailer meeting) as well as other experiential consumer engagement event programming, such as  consumer ride & drives, owner activation events, sponsorship event activation and Subaru enthusiast consumer events (Subiefest). 

Major Responsibilities   

  • Develops and manages events’ strategies, plans, and budgets that support the multiple areas within the position's responsibility (including auto shows, Subaru’s National Business Conference, new product launches, and experiential consumer engagement event programming).
  • Manages partner agency expectations in implementing and supporting the goals of the Subaru organization. Holds partner agencies and associated vendors accountable for deliverables by overseeing their performance and service level agreement (SLA) adherence. Maintains responsibility for effectively communicating strategic direction to external partners. 
  • Reviews, negotiates, and, if necessary, terminates partner agency contracts.
  • Works with Subaru of America (SOA) and Subaru Corporation (SBR) senior management when developing plans and activations that support the corporate vehicle marketing and sales goals. 
  • Develops or modifies the video, print, digital, or other creative assets that support the different program areas of responsibility, including auto show display properties. This includes managing workflow/approval of assets developed by agency partners and Subaru Creative Services.
  • Integrates new technologies into the program to increase the return on investment (ROI) and consumer engagement with the brand. Maintains awareness of newly developing sites and opportunities to determine how to leverage for Subaru. 
  • Communicates the goals and strategies of the auto shows and events to the Subaru field offices and leverages their resources as necessary, including staff support, vehicle use, and local retailer participation.
  • Determines variety of aspects of auto shows and events, such as space and display formats/designs, materials logistics, event staffing, and live presentations. 
  • Determines auto show participation, on-site activities and vendors, and calendar of events by collaborating with Subaru teams including Product Launch, Corporate Communications, Love Promise, and Field Marketing. 
  • Leads post-event recaps and develops and reviews success criteria to inform future actions. 

Required Skills and Personal Qualifications

  • Excellent relationship-building skills.
  • Strong leadership and staff development skills, ability to effectively manage at least one (1) direct report
  • Excellent ability to effectively communicate with all levels within Subaru, our partners, and our communities, both verbally and in writing.
  • Highly skilled at cross functional efforts and teamwork.
  • Strong strategic skills for integrating our Foundation and other corporate philanthropic efforts with our Love Promise values.
  • Understanding of budgeting concepts and guidelines.
  • Strong project management and prioritization skills.
  • Knowledge of operations and legal requirements of a corporate Foundation, community network, and nonprofit operations.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills and a complete understanding of the Subaru sales structure, including Headquarters functions and processes at regions, Independent Distributors, and retailer operations such as vehicle order/delivery process, vehicle and accessory pricing, and regional incentives.
  • In-depth knowledge of Subaru models/equipment, features/benefits, and accessories.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite as well as expertise in Oracle Order Management (OM), Subaru Allocation Management (SAM), and internal "Subarunet" Systems experience.
  • Strong attention to detail and analytical and customer relation/communication skills (verbal and written) as well as ability to adapt to change.
  • Ability to interface with all levels of the organization and business partners.
  • Tact and diplomacy to gain cooperation and problem-solving and negotiation skills to overcome daily problematic customer, retailer, marketing affiliate, vendor, or employee situations.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that satisfies the requirement of SOA Driving Record Evaluation Criteria Policy. Must be approve as an “Authorized Driver” by Risk Management to operate vehicles prior to vehicle operation.

Additional Responsibilities 

  • Establishes and maintains business relationships with auto show producers.
  • Provides the organization with intelligence on how competing manufacturers are leveraging their auto show and event consumer engagement programs.

Education/Experience Requirements: BA/BS with eight (8) to ten (10) years of relevant experience 

Work Environment

  • Hybrid Role: Remote work 2 days per week (After 90 days onboarding)                                                     
  • Physical Demands: Drives company vehicles from one location to another as needed; Lifting up to 25 lbs.; standing long periods when at events 
  • Internal Work Environment: Prolonged sitting at desk ad working on computer. Extended work hours as needed.
  • Travel Required: 40-50% 

Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $108,200- $135,000 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. (M2) In addition to competitive salary, Subaru offers an amazing benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
  • Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401K Match Offerings
  • 15 Vacation days, 9 Company Holidays, 5 Floating Holidays, and 5 Sick days
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Vehicle Discount Programs
  • See our Careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.