INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR - Retail Warranty Auditor

This position is posted on a continuous basis and does not have a fixed application close date. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. A Day in the Life and the Impact You’ll Make Automotive OEMs rely on DEKRA to ensure their dealership networks follow warranty policy, submit accurate documentation, and maintain the integrity of warranty claims. As a Retail Warranty Auditor, you will conduct in-depth audits of dealership repair orders, identify non-compliant behaviors, and guide dealerships toward improved accuracy and accountability. This role requires at least 3 years of formal warranty audit experience on behalf of an OEM, including direct experience auditing dealership warranty claims, repair orders, technician stories, parts documentation, authorization documentation, and related warranty compliance records. This role is ideal for experienced warranty audit professionals who have conducted formal dealership warranty audits, enjoy investigative work, can operate independently, are comfortable traveling, and want to help dealerships improve warranty accuracy, compliance, and accountability. What You’ll Do Conduct detailed warranty audits at assigned dealerships—reviewing repair orders, technician stories, parts management, and authorization documentation. Identify out-of-compliance conditions such as incomplete stories, incorrect op codes, unreturned causal parts, poor documentation, or unusual claim trends. Prepare narrative-rich audit reports summarizing findings, evidence, and corrective actions. Educate warranty staff and service management to improve accuracy and prevent repeat issues. Analyze dealership warranty KPIs and identify hidden trends or risk indicators. Lead follow-up reviews to ensure corrective actions have been implemented. Represent DEKRA and OEM expectations with professionalism in every dealership interaction. What You’ll Bring At least 3 years of formal warranty audit experience, including direct experience auditing dealership warranty claims, repair orders, technician stories, parts management, authorization documentation, and related warranty compliance records. 10+ years of automotive experience with strong proficiency in warranty processes. Experience working with OEM warranty policies, dealership service departments, warranty administrators, service management, and/or OEM field teams. Experience as an OEM franchise Service Department Manager, OEM field representative, warranty auditor, warranty compliance specialist, or similar role is strongly preferred. Proven ability to review warranty claims, identify compliance gaps, document findings, and prepare clear audit summaries. Strong communication, documentation, and Excel/reporting skills. Familiarity with LEAN/Kaizen/5S is desired; LEAN Expert/Six Sigma certification is a plus. Ability to speak English fluently. A Typical Week In This Role: 3–4 days onsite at dealerships conducting audits, interviewing staff, and gathering documentation. 1–2 days reviewing claims, preparing audit summaries, analyzing KPIs, and reporting results. Frequent collaboration with OEM field teams regarding dealer progress, policy interpretation, and network risk patterns. Physical Considerations: Must be able to work in a variety of client locations, environments, and conditions. This may include climbing stairs, walking long distances, walking on rough and uneven terrain, walking through client work facilities, working in heat/cold conditions, indoors and outdoors. Must be able to withstand the rigors of extensive travel. May require difficult travel and long periods of driving. Ability to move and conduct work with full range of motion. Ability to lift 25-50lbs (luggage). Extended periods of computer-based work. Extended periods of standing. Travel Considerations: Domestic travel; estimated 30-50%