Senior OEM Paint Shop Consultant

VSE CONSULTING GROUP LLC; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

VSE Consulting Group LLC in Detroit seeks a Senior OEM Paint Shop Consultant to lead improvements in automotive paint facilities. The role demands deep leadership in paint shop operations, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and driving measurable business results on the production floor and in executive reviews.

You will coach plant teams, develop standardized processes, and partner with leadership to implement dashboards, KPIs, and sustainable controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within OEM automotive paint shop operations.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement background and standardized work.
• Ability to travel extensively (50–75%) to customer locations.

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, OEE, Downtime Reduction, Throughput.
• Coach, mentor, and develop plant leadership teams in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles and problem solving methodologies.

Skills

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

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or equivalent experience

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.