Specialist, Logistics Quality

Mazda North American Operations; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 69,400 - 100,600; Full time

Job summary

Mazda North American Operations seeks a Logistics Quality Specialist to oversee LQA across the Vehicle Operations network at a designated port. You will drive quality improvements using LEAN methods, analyze data, and lead corrective actions with internal teams and vendors to meet U.S.

customer expectations. The role requires audits, root-cause analysis, and implementation of countermeasures, with a focus on continuous improvement across Vessel, Port, Truck, and Rail operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level and associate-level degrees in engineering or logistics preferred.
• Experience with quality systems and LEAN practices is required.
• Maritime/port or automotive industry experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills are expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality administration initiatives within the Port facility and Transportation pipeline.
• Analyze quality data and identify trends to drive improvements.
• Audit port and transportation processes and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to share findings and apply countermeasures.
• Conduct LEAN and Kaizen activities to enhance logistics quality.
• Perform root-cause analysis and manage 8D processes.
• Issue Field Damage Reports and support corrective actions.
• Support time study analysis and data-driven decisions.

Skills

Quality tools

LEAN methodologies

Statistical analysis

Problem solving

Power BI

Education

HS Diploma or GED

AA/AS Industrial Engineering

AA/AS Logistics Management

BA/BS Industrial Engineering

BA/BS Logistics Management

Tools

Power BI

QMS databases

Microsoft Office

Oracle

MS Excel

Job description

Job Description

The 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 LQS conducts LQA audits, performs root‑cause analysis, and provides corrective action to achieve sustainable improvements. They compile and analyze quality and claims data, applying statistical and analytical methods to validate results, and act 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.

Major Responsibilities

• (35%) Quality Administration
  • 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 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 findings 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 countermeasures.
  • 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.
• (30%) Quality Audits & Assurance
  • 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 the 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 trend analysis on audit data to develop and implement countermeasures and improvement projects with processors 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 completed vehicle quality standards are maintained.
  • Issue FQIRS/PCRs and investigate vehicle, accessory part or process‑related concerns; collaborate with teams to implement 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.
• (20%) Accessory Parts & Installation
  • Analyze accessory quality standards by inspecting and monitoring local Port contractors’ installations to ensure conformance with operational and appearance specifications.
  • Ensure compliance with 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.
• (15%) Claims Processing
  • 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.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Comply with all policies and standards.

Work Experience

• 3+ years experience utilizing quality tools and techniques for process improvement required
• 3+ years experience in quality control techniques and statistical analysis required
• 1+ year experience with Quality Systems and Lean Manufacturing practices and methodologies (e.g., 8D, DMAIC, PDCA, 6M, 5 why’s) required
• Transportation experience, specifically in maritime/port, rail yard, or truck yard operations preferred
• Experience in the Automotive/OEM industry preferred

Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (HS/GED) Required
• Associate Degree in Arts/Sciences (AA/AS) Industrial Engineering Preferred
• Associate Degree in Arts/Sciences (AA/AS) Logistics Management Preferred
• Bachelor Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Industrial Engineering Preferred
• Bachelor Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Logistics Management Preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) - American Society for Quality (ASQ) and International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) Preferred within 1 Year

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of automotive functions, technology, and quality control techniques (Developing-Intermediate)
• Ability to operate motor vehicles with both manual and automatic transmissions. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and complete tasks to meet established standards and deadlines; skilled in resource coordination, influencing, and negotiation. (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem‑solving skills using logic, data and reasoning. (Developing-Intermediate)
• Proficient in business software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, business intelligence tools (Power BI/Oracle preferred) and QMS databases; familiarity with NHTSA requirements. (Developing-Intermediate)
• Ability to act and work independently with minimal supervision. (Intermediate-Advanced)

Physical Demands

• Stationary Position/Standing: Constantly
• Move/Traverse: Constantly
• Transport/Lifting: Constantly
• Transport/Carrying: Constantly
• Exerting Force/Pushing: Constantly
• Exerting Force/Pulling: Constantly
• Ascend/Descend: Constantly
• Balancing: Constantly
• Position Self/Stooping: Constantly
• Reaching: Constantly
• Handling: Constantly
• Grasping: Constantly
• Feeling: Constantly
• Communicate/Talking: Constantly
• Communicate/Hearing: Constantly
• Repetitive Motions: Constantly
• Coordination: Constantly
• Seeing/Observing: Constantly

Travel Requirements

• 10% Flying Domestic: Essential

Pay Range

$69,400.00 - $100,600.00
Salary to be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.