Quality Specialist - (Automotive Sector Experience Essential)

About NVD

A family owned business established in 1980, NVD assists vehicle manufacturers in the timely and incident free distribution of their products. We have become a one stop shop providing the three main pillars of outbound logistics - transporting, storing and enhancing our customers' vehicles prior to delivery to their end location. Since 1980 we have pioneered the digitisation of the FVL industry, introducing huge efficiencies that save time and money for our customers. Our unwavering commitment to progress and continual service improvement remains at the heart of our business today.

Role Summary

This is an exciting and unique opportunity for an experienced professional, ideally from a panel beating or bodyshop background, or for someone looking to transition off the tools into a pivotal quality role.

Starting with hands on quality control (QC) inspections, you will be instrumental in elevating our operational quality. Your role will naturally evolve into a quality assurance (QA) function, helping to design, implement and audit our quality management system (QMS) in line with ISO 9001 standards.

Candidates who do not have a QQI Level 6 qualification or experience in the motor industry, specifically in body repairs, will not be considered for this role.

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive salary €60,000 to €65,000
• Pension Scheme
• Staff Purchase Schemes: Tyres and Tools
• Death In Service Benefit
• Digital GP Service
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual Leave Purchase Programme
• Long Service Awards

Key responsibilities Quality Control (QC) & Process Improvement (Initial Focus)

• Final Vehicle Inspection: Conduct meticulous QC checks on vehicles post preparation (body repairs, pre delivery inspection, valeting, accessory fitting) before they leave the VPC to ensure they meet NVD's and manufacturer's standards.
• Defect Identification & Reporting: Accurately document all visual, mechanical and functional defects (e.g. paint finish, panel alignment, electronic faults) using the designated quality reporting system.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Work closely with VPC production teams to investigate the root cause of recurring quality issues and non conformances.
• Corrective & Preventative Action (CAPA): Recommend and monitor the implementation of effective corrective and preventative actions to eliminate defect recurrence.

Quality Assurance (QA) & ISO 9001 Implementation

• QMS Development: Assist the quality team in developing, documenting and maintaining the QMS in alignment with ISO 9001 requirements.
• Process Integration: Collaborate with department managers to incorporate quality principles and checks directly into daily VPC processes, shifting the focus from inspection to prevention.
• Internal Auditing: Conduct scheduled and unscheduled internal quality audits across VPC operations to ensure compliance with documented procedures and ISO 9001 standards.
• Training & Mentoring: Provide guidance and training to VPC staff on quality procedures, SOPs and the importance of quality in their daily tasks.
• Metrics & Reporting: Monitor and analyse quality performance data (KPIs) to identify trends, report on QMS effectiveness to management and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience Essential

• Trade Background: Proven experience as a panel beater, body repair technician, vehicle refinishing technician or similar role within the automotive/bodyshop industry.
• Quality Eye: Exceptional attention to detail and a keen eye for high quality vehicle finish, particularly paintwork, panel fit and cosmetic condition.
• Transition Focus: Genuine desire to move away from hands on repair work into a dedicated, system focused quality role.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting technical issues, writing procedures and training staff.
• Technical Proficiency: Competent in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) for reporting and analysis.
• Full clean driver's licence (Class B).

Desirable

• Prior experience in a formal quality control or quality assurance role.
• Knowledge or working experience with the ISO 9001 quality management standard.
• Experience in an automotive manufacturing or large scale vehicle preparation environment (VPC).

Equal Opportunities Statement

National Vehicle Distribution is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value openness, innovation, customer focus and operational excellence. Our organisation actively promotes equality and prohibits discrimination based on gender, marital/civil status, family status, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or membership of the Traveller community, in accordance with Irish and UK equality legislation. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared success.