Paint Area Manager - Chicago Assembly Plant

Ford Motor Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer in Chicago seeks a Paint Area Manager to lead the development and operations of the Paint Shop. The role demands extensive experience in paint manufacturing and overseen teams, while championing a continuous improvement culture. Qualifications include a high school diploma, with a preferred bachelor’s degree and 7+ years in a relevant field. Excellent leadership skills and a Lean Manufacturing background are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of Paint Manufacturing/Finishing experience.
• Experience leading a manufacturing function overseeing 50+ employees.
• Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma Black Belt experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and development of the Paint Shop area.
• Drive Continuous Improvement by removing internal roadblocks.
• Develop organizational capability through coaching.

Skills

Leadership skills

Lean Manufacturing

Analytical skills

Problem-solving capability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Robotics

DURR Paint shops

Job description

The Paint Area Manager will lead the planning and development of the Paint Shop area. The Paint Area Manager will be assigned to a GFPS System or Key Unifying Process (KUP) and be responsible for becoming the site subject matter expert, work with the other Area Managers and implement that System or KUP across the plant. The Paint Area Manager will be a member of the Plant Leadership Team who is responsible for delivering the business objectives of the plant.

The Paint Area Manager will champion the implementation of strategies to form the culture required to achieve the plant Vision, Mission, and Values, and deliver SQDCPME objectives for their respective area via truly empowered and supported teams.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates empathy and Gemba, engaging regularly with employees in the production environment to listen and problem solve
• Utilize lean manufacturing principles and processes to global manufacturing standards
• Leverage performance data for strategic insights to predict early warning indicators, identify opportunities, make decisions, and deliver solutions
• Achieving Business results by Leading the development and delivery of KPI’s, ensuring Department objectives support the business objectives
• Ensure stability within their area by focusing on inputs, processes and the required outputs
• Drive Continuous Improvement by eliminating internal roadblocks and providing the necessary resources to their teams to support problem resolution resulting in cost/quality improvement
• Collaborate with subject matter experts across functions/departments to drive innovation and deliver timely solutions
• Lead transformation and change management efforts
• Develop organizational capability through coaching and development of “Leaders as Teachers” at all levels of the organization.
• Participates in talent strategies to develop high performing, diverse talent and teams, to ensure the highest levels of engagement and retention.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED Required
• Bachelor’s degree Preferred
• 7+ years of Paint Manufacturing/Finishing, automation, and automotive experience
• 7+ years of experience leading revisions and improvements to meet new standards as manufacturing operating systems mature
• Extensive experience in high-volume, complex manufacturing environments
• Experience successfully leading a manufacturing function and directly overseeing 50+ hourly employees at once

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Validated ability to resolve diverse issues and conflict situations
• Strong ability to lead a large organization; interface/manage plant hourly personnel, salaried personnel, and contract personnel
• Solid understanding of conveyor systems programming and Paint/Sealer applications
• Fundamental working knowledge of Robotics, and Controls
• Experience with DURR Paint shops
• Familiarity with VFDs, network / Ethernet controls
• Deep understanding of Paint processes, material, and facility requirements and ability to teach paint process to the organization using Lean Manufacturing techniques
• Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma Black Belt experience
• Proven ability to communicate and present to diverse audiences
• Strong analytical skills and quick decision-making capability
• Competent in the use of data for decision-making
• Systematic problem-solving capability, including 8Ds, FMEAs, DMAICs
• Confirm operating standards are in place and being adhered to throughout the area
• Demonstrated ability to ensure in-station process control
• Knowledge of control plans and failure mode risk mitigation
• Aspiration for continued growth and new challenges
• Demonstrated leadership with outstanding interpersonal, team building, and communication skills

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.