Automotive Process Consultant

A Day in the Life and the Impact You’ll Make:

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 Middle America (ranging from Chicago to Texas) ****

What You’ll Do:

• 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 principals 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.

What You’ll Bring:

• 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 principals. Although the OEM client will provide extensive training on the program and underlying principals, 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%.

What You’ll Receive for the Value You Bring:

Compensation: 

The base pay for this position is $85,000 annually to $92,000 annually. Actual pay is based on several factors including market location and position-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Benefits:

DEKRA North America strives to provide a competitive benefits package to colleagues and promotes physical, emotional, and financial well-being.  Colleagues can self-select from our benefits to create a package unique to their needs.  These benefits include access to competitive health care and retirement benefits, paid time off, mental health well-being resources, and opportunities to learn and develop.  Below is a list of benefits we offer our colleagues:

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
• Annual Career Goal Setting and Performance Review cycle participation

This list provides an overview of benefits provided for US-based colleagues; the DEKRA North America Employee Benefits Guide outlines plan details and further related eligibility requirements.

Additional Position Details:

• Reports to:  Automotive, VP of Operations
• Work Model: Remote
• Work Location: US-based Remote
• Supervises Others: N
• 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.

About Us:

As a global provider of comprehensive services and solutions, we help our customers improve their safety, security, and sustainability outcomes. DEKRA is the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification (TIC) companies offering innovative professional services in the fields of vehicle inspection, expert appraisals, industrial product testing & certification, management system certifications, leadership consulting, and much more.  DEKRA is a purpose-driven organization with a deep passion to make the world a safer place on the road, at work, and at home.  In DEKRA, you will be part of a continuously growing organization with a near 100-year history involved in more than 50 countries on five continents.

We hope you’ll consider a career with DEKRA North America as we strive to become the Global Partner for a Safe World!

DEKRA North America is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DEKRA North America is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment, please email dekra.hr.na@dekra.com, or call +1 (770) 971-3788. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.