Regional Carflow/Bus Plan Manager

About the role

Leads analysis to anticipate, plan and track monthly, quarterly and annual optimum model and option mix inventory levels at the market and dealer level for an assigned region. Achieves mandated option mix profitability while maintaining optimal inventory levels utilizing minimum marketing funds. Identifies inventories for advertising, C&I or tactical dollars to accelerate customer demand as needed. Advises on vehicle allocations in reaction to and anticipation of Market Rep changes occurring in the region. Analyzes regional monthly business plan identifying sales gaps in regional, district, market and dealer carflow objectives with actualized Total Industry Volume (TIV), market share and penetration. Under constantly changing conditions, ensures that the right vehicle is in the right place at the right time. Work also includes maintaining the Hoshin Kanri process and overseeing the work of an analyst.

Responsibilities

• Reviews regional model allocations and analyzes current and anticipated inventory levels based on current and forecasted sales; incorporates expected sales impact from tactical, C&I and advertising efforts.
• Discusses current and expected surplus and shortages and alerts management for additional DOM/FOM focus.
• Coordinates with regional marketing and sales group to identify inventories for which additional regional media, C&I and tactical dollars may be needed to reduce inventory and drive sales.
• Maintains brand value and customer brand perceptions through optimal inventory control.
• Reviews vehicles' option mix ordered and encourages more profitable option ordering by dealers to meet company established regional, market and dealer mandates.
• Forecasts wholesale option mixes that meet mandated option profitability in Production Ordering Forecast Tool (POFT).
• Identifies fastest selling option packages and anticipates customer model and option preferences.
• Persuades shifts in dealer choices of option patterns to better move inventory and anticipate demand within manufacturing constraints.
• Maintains awareness of manufacturing challenges and limitations to keep field dealer support properly informed of supply issues.
• Coordinates regularly with National Market Rep Mgr regarding anticipated dealer ownership changes of Infiniti and other brands in the region; recommends vehicle allocations in reaction to current and anticipated dealer openings and closings.
• Monitors system driven carflow adjustments in response to fluctuating influences such as competitors' challenges, competitive promotions and product demand, changing customer preferences, weather and environmental impacts, manufacturing limitations, economic conditions, gas prices, etc.
• Provides support and sets monthly wholesale objectives for DOMs/AGMs to balance dealer inventories across model lines within the region; supports DOMs and AGMs in their support of dealership inventory management.
• Provides realistic forecasts regarding availability and option preferences to assist in setting dealership expectations and guide them in the most profitable choices for the dealership and for Nissan.
• Coordinates regional and dealer requests to process wholesale vehicle returns for credit.
• Supports the development and execution of the regional business plan which identifies and addresses gaps in carflow with sales volume, in market penetration/share, and in profitability with option mix; evaluates achievement and progress; understands reasons for gaps and proposes car-flow and car mix solutions to compensate and mitigate for shortfalls.
• Manages the development regional Hoshin Kanri plans in support of the FY Business Plan; determines status of Hoshin Kanri objectives and achievements and coordinates the development of countermeasures to close gaps in performance; communicates status to field and regional staff on a regular basis.
• Orders, tracks, and assigns service car loans and units for auto show and special event.

Requirements

• 6 years of progressive Marketing and Sales experience including:
  • At least one successful rotation in a field support position, such as DOM, FOM or FSM role
  • At least one rotation within the carflow, car mix or distribution field
• Bachelor's degree
• Proficient in the use of distribution and inventory systems associated with carflow and distribution
• Understanding of the principles of inventory control and management to allow sales goals to be met and profits to be maximized
• Understanding of car mix options on profitability
• Working knowledge of word processor, spreadsheet, other PC applications, or mainframe applications to produce non-standard, creative products; additional knowledge of sales related systems
• Ability to prioritize own schedules and organize workload effectively with minimal daily supervision
• Ability to function effectively and remain productive in a virtual office environment
• Ability to focus on the best interests of the dealership and Nissan; can remain objective in the course of building relationships
• Dedication to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; attentive to others' opinions and perspectives
• Ability to influence the actions of others by building credibility through dealership knowledge, effective recommendations, clear communications, honesty, and demonstrated follow-up on promises
• Result driven even in the face of resistance or setbacks
• Ability to present ideas and analysis in an effective manner; ability to understand the complexities of situations and solicit assistance from others as needed

Travel

Approximately 25% day and overnight domestic travel.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package including medical, mental health, and parental leave
• Retirement savings programs
• Employee Lease Program and Vehicle Purchase Program (VPP) discounts