What are the responsibilities and job description for the Parts Quality Specialist position at Storyteller Overland?
Our History:
The Storyteller Overland vibe started out as a drawing on a restaurant napkin in 2017 illustrating a desire to help people live more adventurous lives. Back then, very few had ever heard of an adventure van, and some at the restaurant table with CEO Jeffrey Hunter had doubts it would ever sell.
The company officially launched in 2018 with a humble yet confident team of seven employees. Over the next year, we worked on launching our MODE 4x4 and finding dealer partners to work with, and finally, the dream was turning into a reality.
We’ve been fortunate to be full speed ahead since then. We’ve added sister companies to our galaxy and built out quite the impressive team – hopefully you included. We hit 500 vans built, then 1,000, then so many more that these milestones became difficult to keep track of. We’ve added new vehicles to our lineup and have built a massive community of like-minded adventurers that also continues to grow.
As we reflect on our history, though, we remind ourselves that our best ideas are still ahead of us, not behind us. Here’s to saying yes to the next grand adventure!
Workplace Vibe:
We are proud to have a values-based culture, which means we focus less on rules & transacting and more on values & transforming. Our goal is to create workplaces and spaces where great people can do great things in order to thrive and flourish both professionally and personally.
Parts Quality Specialist Overview:
As a Parts Quality Specialist you will assist in the daily operations of Storyteller’s Parts Quality team. You will take full ownership of ensuring that each vehicle is able to be assembled with the highest quality parts as if the vehicle was being built to be purchased by you or a member of your family.
You will be responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of parts used in all manufacturing and production processes. Your main role will involve inspecting, testing, and analyzing parts to ensure they meet established quality standards. This makes you a very important part of the Storyteller Galaxy and a superior brand ambassador of our reputation within our vibrant community of vanlifers, adventure seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
General Responsibilities:
- Relentlessly enforcing the high quality standards of Storyteller Overland,
- Inspecting parts and working closely with the Engineering and Production teams to ensure parts meet the required specifications (types of parts include cabinets, walls, plumbing fixtures, roof racks, wheels, appliances, electrical components, flares, hardware, seats, flooring, etc.),
- Maintain detailed records of inspection and test results, including any deviations from quality standards,
- Investigate and identify the root causes of quality issues and work towards implementing preventive measures,
- Maintain a cordial relationship with vendors to uphold the established quality standards agreed upon between Storyteller Overland and its vendors as well as following up to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to restore quality standards when deviations in quality are discovered,
- Digitally document and record data to track deviations in parts quality,
- Support the VRMA process by tracking non-conforming parts and inventory to ensure that inventory stays accurate and production isn’t impacted,
- While working with vendors to understand nuances of the manufacturing of parts to aid in the repairs and reporting of parts issues, ensure accountability is held for all parties accountable for damage of parts, whether it be the vendor, production, or the warehouse,
- Hands-on work to make repairs, disassemble components, troubleshoot issues, etc.,
- Contribute to the overall success of the parts quality team by co-elevating with all team members through collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie,
- Perform additional responsibilities and tasks as assigned to support organizational and team goals.
Work Schedule:
- Fixed: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a 1-hour lunch
Work Location:
- Production Facility (Birmingham, AL)
Qualifications/Skills:
High level of attention to detail, background in manufacturing preferred, Netsuite ERP experience a plus, supply chain management experience, MS Office or G Suite familiarity, aptitude for learning new things quickly, good problem solver, solid data entry practices, strong communication skills, active listener, juggler of many tasks simultaneously, patient and thorough, emotionally intelligent, and a strong relationship builder.
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Proven experience in quality control or assurance, preferably in a manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of quality standards, testing methodologies, and inspection techniques
- Effective communication and collaboration abilities
- Familiarity with industry regulations and standards
- Auto manufacturing experience a plus
- Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and specifications
- Mechanical aptitude
- Comfortable with general hand tool use and hands-on work
- Experience working in roles that are physically demanding and that require stamina
Position Scorecard:
- Core Competencies - Attention to detail, Quality Assurance Expertise, Problem-Solving Skills, Collaboration & Teamwork, Communication Skills, Technical Knowledge, Brand Representation, Adaptability, and Reliability.
- Position Mission - The mission of the Parts Quality Specialist is to uphold and enforce Storyteller Overland's high-quality standards by ensuring all parts meet required specifications and maintaining strong relationships with vendors to address and prevent quality issues. By collaborating with internal teams and vendors, this role plays a critical part in delivering superior products while supporting efficient production processes and sustaining the brand’s reputation for excellence.
- Anticipated Outcome - Consistently deliver high-quality, specification-compliant parts that ensure smooth production processes and reinforce Storyteller Overland’s reputation for excellence.
Physical Requirements:
- The ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds
- This job entails prolonged periods of standing and walking around the manufacturing floor
- Precision and coordination are crucial for assembling intricate components and operating machinery. Employees must be capable of using hand and power tools with a steady hand
- Assembly tasks may require reaching, stretching, and bending to access components, equipment, and workstations as well as the ability to stoop, kneel, or crouch is necessary for accessing low-lying work areas and performing assembly tasks close to the ground
- Employees must have good visual acuity to inspect and ensure the quality of components and products. This may involve reading technical documents and operating machinery with precision
- The role may require the ability to hear and respond to alarms, machinery sounds, and co-worker communication in a manufacturing environment
- For tasks involving computer work or documentation, employees may be required to sit for extended periods
- Exposure to Hazardous Materials: In some cases, employees may be exposed to chemicals or substances used in the manufacturing process. Proper safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided
- Environmental Adaptability: Ability to work in diverse environmental conditions, including exposure to both hot and cold weather, and the capacity to take appropriate measures to ensure personal comfort and safety during such conditions
Candidates should be aware that the physical demands listed above are representative but not exhaustive. The role may require additional physical tasks not listed here, depending on specific job assignments and production needs. Accommodations will be made in compliance with applicable laws for individuals with disabilities.
Exemption Status: Exempt