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Job description
Position Summary
nWe 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.
nThis 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.
nKey Responsibilities
nLead operational assessments of OEM automotive paint shops to identify process inefficiencies, quality concerns, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
nApply structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, Root Cause Analysis, etc.) to resolve complex manufacturing and quality issues.
nDevelop and implement standardized processes, operating procedures, and control plans that improve operational consistency and sustainability.
nHigh focus on problem solving and driving continuous improvement initiatives focused primarily on Quality paint issues.
nAnalyze key operational KPIs and implement strategies that improve:
nFirst Time Through (FTT)
nDefect Detection and Containment
nScrap and Rework
nOverall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
nDowntime Reduction
nThroughput
nPartner with plant leadership to establish performance dashboards and accountability systems.
nCoach, mentor, and develop plant leadership teams in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles and problem solving methodologies.
nLead cross-functional teams through process changes, production launches, recovery activities, and operational transformations.
nProvide executive-level recommendations supported by data analysis and operational insights.
nSupport launch readiness activities for new vehicle programs and paint shop installations.
nEnsure compliance with OEM quality standards, environmental regulations, and safety requirements.
nBuild strong working relationships with plant leadership, engineering, maintenance, quality, suppliers, and executive stakeholders.
nRequired Qualifications
nBachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
n10+ years of progressive leadership experience within OEM automotive paint shop operations.
nPrevious experience in leadership roles such as:
nPaint Process Improvement Manager
nPaint Process Engineer
nPaint Spray Booth Technician (Robotics and Paint Applications)
nArea Manager
nOperations Manager
nManufacturing Manager
nProduction Manager
nExtensive knowledge of automotive paint shop processes including:
nPretreatment
nE-Coat
nPrimer
nBasecoat
nClearcoat
nSealer
nOven Operations
nFinal Finish Quality
nDemonstrated success leading large-scale operational improvements.
nProven ability to solve complex manufacturing problems under demanding production environments.
nStrong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, and standardized work.
nExperience utilizing manufacturing KPIs to drive operational decision-making.
nExcellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
nAbility to travel extensively (50–75%) to customer locations.
nPreferred Qualifications
nLean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
nExperience supporting new vehicle launches.
nExperience working with multiple OEMs (Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Rivian, Scout Motors, etc.).
nConsulting experience supporting manufacturing operations.
nExperience implementing Manufacturing Operating Systems and Performance Management Systems.
nCore Competencies
nStrategic Problem Solving
nRoot Cause Analysis
nProcess Improvement
nControl Plans
nOperational Excellence
nKPI Management
nProcess Controls
nLean Manufacturing
nContinuous Improvement
nChange Leadership
nExecutive Communication
nTeam Development
nCoaching & Mentoring
nCross-Functional Leadership
nCustomer Relationship Management
nDecision Making Under Pressure
nWhat Success Looks Like The successful Senior OEM Paint Shop Consultant consistently delivers measurable improvements in operational performance by:
nReducing quality defects and rework
nIncreasing process stability through standardized controls
nDeveloping high-performing plant leadership teams
nCreating sustainable operational improvements that continue long after project completion
nBuilding trusted partnerships with customer leadership through technical expertise, professionalism, and results
nImproving production efficiency and throughput
nThis 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.
Worksite address
normal, IL, 61761, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.