About this opportunity
VSE CONSULTING GROUP LLC lists this Senior OEM Paint Shop Consultant opportunity in detroit, Michigan. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior OEM Paint Shop Consultant to lead operational improvements within automotive paint manufacturing facilities. The ideal candidate brings extensive leadership experience in OEM paint shop operations and has a proven track record of solving complex manufacturing challenges, improving operational performance, and implementing sustainable process controls.
This role requires a hands‑on leader who can quickly assess production environments, identify opportunities for improvement, develop actionable solutions, and partner with plant leadership to drive measurable business results. The successful candidate is equally comfortable on the production floor coaching teams as they are presenting strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Lead operational assessments of OEM automotive paint shops to identify process inefficiencies, quality concerns, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies (8D, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, Root Cause Analysis, etc.) to resolve complex manufacturing and quality issues.
Develop and implement standardized processes, operating procedures, and control plans that improve operational consistency and sustainability.
High focus on problem solving and driving continuous improvement initiatives focused primarily on Quality paint issues.
Analyze key operational KPIs and implement strategies that improve: First Time Through (FTT)
Defect Detection and Containment
Scrap and Rework
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
Downtime Reduction
Throughput
Partner with plant leadership to establish performance dashboards and accountability systems.
Coach, mentor, and develop plant leadership teams in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles and problem solving methodologies.
Lead cross‑functional teams through process changes, production launches, recovery activities, and operational transformations.
Provide executive‑level recommendations supported by data analysis and operational insights.
Support launch readiness activities for new vehicle programs and paint shop installations.
Ensure compliance with OEM quality standards, environmental regulations, and safety requirements.
Build strong working relationships with plant leadership, engineering, maintenance, quality, suppliers, and executive stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
10+ years of progressive leadership experience within OEM automotive paint shop operations.
Previous experience in leadership roles such as: Paint Process Improvement Manager
Paint Process Engineer
Paint Spray Booth Technician (Robotics and Paint Applications)
Area Manager
Operations Manager
Manufacturing Manager
Production Manager
Extensive knowledge of automotive paint shop processes including: Pretreatment
E-Coat
Primer
Basecoat
Clearcoat
Sealer
Oven Operations
Final Finish Quality
Demonstrated success leading large‑scale operational improvements.
Proven ability to solve complex manufacturing problems under demanding production environments.
Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, and standardized work.
Experience utilizing manufacturing KPIs to drive operational decision‑making.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Ability to travel extensively (50–75%) to customer locations.
Preferred Qualifications
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience supporting new vehicle launches.
Experience working with multiple OEMs (Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Rivian, Scout Motors, etc.).
Consulting experience supporting manufacturing operations.
Experience implementing Manufacturing Operating Systems and Performance Management Systems.
Core Competencies
Strategic Problem Solving
Root Cause Analysis
Process Improvement
Control Plans
Operational Excellence
KPI Management
Process Controls
Lean Manufacturing
Continuous Improvement
Change Leadership
Executive Communication
Team Development
Coaching & Mentoring
Cross-Functional Leadership
Customer Relationship Management
Decision Making Under Pressure
What Success Looks Like
Reducing quality defects and rework
Increasing process stability through standardized controls
Developing high‑performing plant leadership teams
Creating sustainable operational improvements that continue long after project completion
Building trusted partnerships with customer leadership through technical expertise, professionalism, and results
Improving production efficiency and throughput
This position is ideal for a former OEM Paint Shop Manager or Operations Leader who enjoys solving difficult manufacturing challenges, mentoring teams, and helping automotive plants achieve world‑class operational performance.
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Worksite address
detroit, MI, 48228, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.