Parts Operations & Communications Specialist - Temporary Position

Parts Operations & Communications Specialist - Temporary Position

Company:
Kia America, Inc.

Location:

Irvine, CA, US, 92606

This is a temporary full-time position expected to last approximately six (6) months. There may be an opportunity for conversion to a regular full-time team member role at the conclusion of the assignment, and any such conversion is at the company's discretion. This position is onsite and located in our Irvine, CA office.

The parts ops & communications specialist is the KUS parts subject matter expert (SME) in parts operations with a primary focus on supporting dealer operations, enhancing communication strategies, and ensuring the efficient flow of critical parts. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs), monitoring critical parts supply, and ensuring alignment between KUS and its service providers to meet business needs and customer expectations.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Priority 1 - 35% Drive operational excellence by developing and reinforcing best practices that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across all parts operations.
• Priority 2 - 25% Monitor and manage critical parts supply and distribution across the dealer network by ensuring proper ordering controls to minimize downtime, improve availability, and support revenue generation.
• Priority 3 - 20% Oversee service providers' performance and logistics operations through KPI tracking and reporting to ensure alignment with KUS business needs and customer satisfaction goals.
• Priority 4 - 10% Identify and implement new remanufacturing program opportunities including but not limited to new EV battery programs. This should include financial flow, vendor contracts, and coordination with various organizations for quality and process approvals.
• Priority 5 - 10% Support ad hoc business needs related to parts operations required

Personally performed duties:

• In coordination with Mobis Parts America and other Kia Parts service providers, resolve operational issues, improve service levels, and ensure alignment with KUS standards.
• Provide direct support for escalated dealer issues by collaborating with internal departments and external partners.
• Adjust parts systems parameters as needed to support dealer operations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and efficiency across dealer parts operations as well as internal parts programs, such as employee parts purchases.
• Work with PQ and Mobis teams to support service actions launch accuracy.
• Monitor and analyze critical parts supply metrics to ensure availability and minimize backorder risks.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to parts operations and service providers' performance.
• Support cross-functional projects and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the parts operations team.
• Perform ad hoc reporting, administrative tasks, and other duties as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications/education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related business field or equivalent combination of education and work experience is required.
• Job requirement overall related experience: 3–5 years of experience in automotive parts operations, logistics, or dealer support preferred.
• Experience in developing and implementing SOPs and process improvements.
• Directly related experience: 3+ years involvement in automotive service parts business preferably.
• Proven track record in customer communication, issue resolution, and cross-functional coordination.
• Familiarity with ERP systems.

Position requirements:

• Occasional travel may be required domestically and/or internationally.
• May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Specialized skills and knowledge required:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced critical thinking skills.
• Strong background in data analysis, forecasting, and KPI reporting.
• Advanced capabilities in MS Excel with proficiency in all other office suite products.

Competencies:

• Care for people
• Chase excellence every day
• Dare to push…