Automotive Warranty Management Lead

Our client, Automotive Tier 1 is seeking a Automotive Warranty Management Lead to join their team. As a Automotive Warranty Management Lead, you will be part of the Warranty Operations & Product Support organization supporting cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Logistics, Product Support, and Business Process. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in warranty claim management, strong workshop facilitation and stakeholder influence, and the ability to build scalable, compliant RMA and return management capabilities that improve turnaround time and OEM satisfaction.

Job Title:Automotive Warranty Management Lead

Location:Palo Alto, CA (Onsite)

What's the Job?

• Lead the design and optimization of Warranty Operations, Return Material Authorization (RMA), Product Investigation, and OEM Support processes within an Automotive Tier 1 environment.
• Define end-to-end Warranty Return Management operating model, including RMA lifecycle processes, controls, governance, and escalation procedures.
• Establish warranty policies and return authorization criteria aligned to OEM customer requirements and automotive industry best practices.
• Develop processes for return intake and authorization, product tracking and traceability, reverse logistics, disposition management, warranty recovery and closure, and customer communication standards.
• Define investigation workflows and failure analysis methodologies for returned products (hardware diagnostics, software log analysis, system-level investigation, root-cause analysis) and create disposition frameworks (repair, rework, scrap, engineering retention) with governance and performance management.

What's Needed?

• 10+ years of experience in Automotive Warranty Operations, Product Support, RMA Management, and Field Quality or Technical Support, including experience supporting OEM customers and post-SOP operations.
• Strong understanding of warranty management processes, RMA operations, reverse logistics, product investigation and failure analysis, and customer support/escalation management.
• Knowledge of automotive quality methodologies including 8D, APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949.
• Familiarity with tools such as SAP, PLM, defect management, and service management tools.
• Strong workshop facilitation skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders with excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.

What's in it for me?

• Opportunity to shape a scalable, compliant Warranty Return Management capability that improves operational visibility and execution.
• Role centered on measurable outcomes such as reduced return processing cycle times, improved root-cause identification, and stronger SLA attainment.
• Direct partnership with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Logistics, Product Support, and Business Process teams to drive continuous improvement.
• Ownership of key deliverables including warranty governance, KPI catalogue, escalation matrix, and roadmap recommendations.
• Clear success measures tied to warranty turnaround time, NTF rate management, backlog/aging control, and executive reporting.

Upon completion of waiting period consultants are eligible for:

• Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Health Savings Account
• Health Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Business Travel Insurance
• 401(k), Plus Match
• Weekly Pay

If this is a role that interests you and you'd like to learn more, click apply now and a recruiter will be in touch with you to discuss this great opportunity. We look forward to speaking with you!

About ManpowerGroup, Parent Company of: Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells.

ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells – creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2023 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 14th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.