Title:  Senior Technical Specialist, Field Quality

About I-CAR:

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) is a growing, not-for-profit organization, headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, serving the automotive collision repair industry globally. The organization was established by representatives of the collision repair, automotive, and insurance industries in 1979 and has doubled its revenue over the last six years.

Today, the I-CAR brand is stronger than it has been in 40 years of operation and has gained a worldwide reputation. There is momentum and excitement among its committed workforce, instructors and volunteers to continue to help the organization grow and expand its breadth of reach and scale. I-CAR leadership believes that the future of the organization will be importantly influenced by its continuing innovation and relevance of its products, technical programs and services.

Job Summary:

The Sr. Technical Specialist, Field Quality reports to the Manager, Field Quality and is responsible for conducting complete, detailed, and objective instructor observations and reporting results in an impartial manner. The Sr. Technical Specialist, Field Quality will ensure I-CAR products are consistently delivered in a safe and fair learning environment. Quality observations span across all delivery channels.  The Sr. Technical Specialist, Field Quality will investigate assigned complaints and document any nonconformances to the Manager, Field Quality and Lead Associate. The Sr. Technical Specialist, Field Quality will work cross-functionally with Lead Associates to determine and carry out any potential corrective actions.

Travel Requirements: 

This position involves extensive travel, typically requiring 2-3 overnight stays per week. The role includes flying to various locations, driving to 1-3 sites over several days to conduct audits, and then flying back home, sometimes from a different airport. Flexibility is essential, as audit events may not occur as planned, necessitating adjustments to audit locations and travel schedules. Many weeks will involve being away from home for 3-4 days.

When not traveling, the position offers significant flexibility. There are occasional meetings and administrative tasks, which are relatively brief. This allows non-travel days to be shorter than the standard 8-hour workday. The emphasis is on meeting deadlines and ensuring the quality of work rather than adhering to a rigid schedule. This flexibility provides a unique opportunity to achieve a good work/life balance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Utilize established quality assessment checklists and document results in a report.
• Assist in developing and implementing manager approved changes to improve processes and reduce costs.
• Observe assigned delivery channels according to set quality standards.
• Investigate assigned complaints and document findings.
• Communicate effectively with management, I-CAR staff and I-CAR stakeholders.
• Track, record, and maintain quality assurance data.
• Document any nonconformances identified from complaints, observations, or investigations and coordinate with the delivery team to establish and complete corrective action plans on-time.
• Create, update, and follow all Quality related SOPs
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

Key Competencies:

• Accountability- able to work independently
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population
• Detail oriented including data collection, management and analysis
• Teamwork orientation and skills
• Ability to optimize travel plans to maximize value while managing costs.
• Hearing and vision correctable to within normal ranges is essential for normal conversations, receiving ordinary information, and preparing or inspecting documents

Computer Equipment and Software Requirements:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Computer Software and Programs
• Internet navigation required

Experience and Training:

•  Bachelor’s Degree (preferred) or equivalent work experience
•  3 – 5 years of relevant experience internal or external audit experience
• Experienced with quality auding processes and quality management systems.
• Possess robust skills in verification, documentation and communication of audit results and the ability to complete audit reports.
• Must possess interpersonal skills to avoid and/or resolve conflict.
• Experience with I-CAR training programs a benefit
• Experience with collision repair techniques a benefit
• Experience with ISO 9001 or similar quality management system standards is a benefit.

EEO Statement: 

I-CAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law, where applicable. Those with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws.