Logistics Quality Assurance Specialist

Job DescriptionThe Logistics Quality Specialist (LQS) is responsible for Logistics Quality Assurance (LQA) within their assigned logistics pipeline of the Vehicle Operations network, operations on-site at a designated port. This role ensures compliance with LQA and industry standards (e.g. AIAG, AAR) across Vessel, Port, Truck, and Rail operations by implementing, analyzing, and continuously improving quality processes. Using Quality Assurance and LEAN methodologies, the LQS drives performance against KPIs, optimizes throughput, and supports the achievement of retail-sales objectives.

The role conducts LQA audits, facilities root-cause analysis and provides corrective action to achieve sustainable improvements. Compile and analyze quality and claims data, applying statistical and analytical methods to validate results. Acting as the Voice-of-Quality, the LQS collaborates with internal teams and external vendors, partnering with stakeholders across Port Operations, Transportation Management and LQA to maintain consistent, high-quality standards throughout the logistics pipeline.

Quality Administration - 35%

• Collaborate with vehicle quality engineering, supplier quality assurance, accessory engineering, local Port Operations, local Port/Vessel/Truck/Rail vendors, and other departments to investigate  quality concerns and implement  corrective action and preventive  actions  within the local Port facility and  Transportation pipeline.
• Analyze and report  local Transportation pipeline quality data  (inspection , claims , warranty , field data, etc.) to identify any trends and implement quality improvements.
• Audit stop ship/reworks repair process at the local Port; develop containment and damage prevention plans  with support from  Port Operations, management, Technical Services (TSD), MC, and any other relevant  teams to ensure repair of all affected units.
• Coordinate  local quality performance reviews and improvement initiatives with vendors and internal teams; present finding and implement corrective actions to enhance quality outcomes.
• Facilitate the application of LEAN concepts and engineering principles at the local Port and across the Transportation pipeline, including Kaizen activities aimed at improving logistics quality.
• Conduct  Gemba reviews at the local port, assessing installation, operations, processes, tools, equipment, and facilities for improvement and countermeasure.
•  Communicate effectively with management and  vehicle operations teams to support  quality initiatives that meet U.S. customer expectations.
• Provide training and guidance to improve quality, LEAN initiatives, engineering principles and vehicle flow efficiency.
•  Facilitate quality improvement strategies and activities with local Port Operations and vendors  to ensure  quality standards, including FQIR process for the Port and Transportation pipeline.
• Serve as backup for local Port Manager functions during absences or when additional support is required.

Quality Audits & Assurance - 30%

• Perform  local Port and  Transportation pipeline audit process,  recording and reporting findings.
• Apply  engineering methods to  investigate quality concerns and implement effective countermeasures. 
• Document and track quality concerns  through countermeasure process to ensure effective resolution by established KPIs.
• Analyze and report audit data for  review with LQA Management,  Port Operations, and  Port/Vessel/Truck/Rail vendors.
• Conduct  regular trendanalysis on audit data to develop and implement  countermeasures and improvement projects with processor and carriers.
• Support annual Corporate audits and facilitate  8D process with  Port Operations and  vendors.
• Perform  root cause analysis for internal and external concerns, including 8D investigations, PCRs, FQIRs, countermeasures. Ensure  investigations, containment, and corrective actions meet  established timelines.
• Issue reports, and communications to  teams and management ensuring to ensure  completed vehicle quality standards are maintained.
• Issue FQIRS/PCRs and investigate  vehicle, accessory part or process-related concerns; collaborate with teams  to implement both short-term and long-term corrective actions .
• Issue Field Damage Reports (FDR)  to communicate concerns, classify vehicle based on damages and coordinate investigations to determine cause and implement  preventive measures.
• Provide quality buy-off for  repairs to ensure  quality standards are upheld.
• Support time study analysis, from data gathering to process confirmations.

Accessory Parts & Installation - 20%

• Analyze  accessory quality standards  by inspecting and monitoring local Port contractors'  installations to ensure conformance with operational and appearance specifications .
• Ensure compliance to quality standards and best practices to improve  safety, efficiency, quality, and cost effectiveness .
• Collaborate  with accessory engineering, vehicle operations, parts supply chain and supplier quality groups to investigate  accessory part concerns; issue  countermeasure requests and confirm   corrective actions
• Coordinate accessory parts availability to meet daily production needs, including ordering, processing shipments, resolving issues, and ensuring accurate inventory records in parts system.

Claims Processing - 15%

• Approve Vessel Survey claims and confirm  processor only  submit  repairs listed on the survey.
• Ensure all Claim KPIs are met, including  timely processing by contractors.
• Provide MDV classification for  vehicles damaged at the local Port and within the  Transportation Pipeline.
• Analyze and report claims data to identify  trends,  implement  countermeasures, and initiate improvement projects with processors and carriers.
• Report accessory parts shortages, delivery discrepancies, or damages to the Corporate Parts Departments; facilitate parts transportation claims from insurance to closures and ensure proper disposition.

Qualifications and Other Requirements:

Education (Minimum):

• Bachelor's  in industrial engineering, supply chain management, logistics or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training and/or work experience.

Experience:

Minimum 3+ years to include:

• Experience utilizing quality tools and techniques for process improvement is required.
• Experience in quality control techniques and statistical analysis is required.
• Transportation background in Maritime/Port Operations, Rail yard, or Truck yard is highly desired.
• Automotive/OEM background is highly desired.

Training/Certification:

• LEAN Processing/Manufacturing Training- CSSGB/BB desired.
• This position will be required to successfully obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
• (TWIC) from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). To obtain a TWIC, you must complete a thorough background investigation conducted by the TSA sponsored by Mazda.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of automotive functions,technology, and quality control techniques.
• Ability  to operate motor vehicles with both manual and automatic transmissions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize  and complete tasks to meet established standards and deadlines; skilled in  resource coordination, influencing, and negotiation.
• Effective communicator  with the ability to collaborate across management,  contractors,  departments/markets, and external partners; capable of  leading meetings and presenting reports.
• Experience with Quality Systems and  Lean Manufacturing practices, including methodologies including  8D, DMAIC, PDCA, 6M, 5 why's).
• Strong  leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills using logic, data and reasoning.
• Proficient in business software applications, including  Microsoft Office Suite, business intelligence tools (Power BI/Oracle preferred) and QMS databases; familiarity with NHTSA requirements.
• Ability to act and work independently with minimal supervision. 

Travel:

As determined by business needs.

09/10/2025: JD refresh

Come work with us at our exciting new facility, in the growing city of Huntsville Alabama. Huntsville is in Madison County and is one of the best places to live in Alabama and the 11th best place to live in America. Huntsville offers a vibrant community with a mixture of high-tech ventures, cultural diversity, and is the #1 most affordable place to live in the U.S. in 2019 out of 125 most populous metro areas.

Pay Range$66, $96,250.00

Salary to be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Learn more about MNAO's comprehensive benefits package here

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