At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.
Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.
The Role
As a Group Leader in the Paint Shop for Global Show Vehicles, you will lead a medium sized team of skilled trades employees at GM’s Milford Proving Ground. This role is critical to achieving media prep excellence for high-visibility vehicles. You will ensure flawless execution of paint and finish processes while driving Safety, People, Quality, Responsiveness, Cost, and Environment (SPQRCE) priorities. Success requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.
Schedule: 2nd Shift (Typical: 3:00 PM – Midnight)
Note: Weekend work required as needed; during peak workload, 7-day work weeks every other week are possible.
What You’ll Do
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Supervise and lead a team of skilled trades employees responsible for paint/media prep supporting GM’s business objectives.
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Translate business goals into actionable results for your team; champion new processes and continuous improvement aligned with departmental objectives.
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Conduct regular team meetings; communicate GM policies, safety messages, and leadership updates.
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Ensure completion of all required GM and role-specific training.
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Assign workloads, set priorities, and approve work schedules, overtime, and related expenses.
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Review deliverables and team performance; provide candid feedback and implement performance interventions when necessary.
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Recognize and reward employee contributions formally and informally.
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Remove roadblocks and resolve issues using Global Manufacturing System (GMS)/Business Plan Development (BPD) processes.
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Support the Engineering Group Manager (EGM) with staffing needs and onboarding new employees.
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Maintain compliance with safety standards and operational excellence in a unionized environment.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
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Associate degree in mechanical/engineering field OR 5+ years of equivalent experience in a related field.
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Ability to lead and share objectives effectively with the team.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for ambiguous or complex challenges.
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Automotive technical and professional knowledge.
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Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills to collaborate across all organizational levels.
What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
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2–5 years of leadership or management experience with skilled trades or production team operations.
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Knowledge of paint quality standards or auto refinish processes.
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field.
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Prior leadership experience in a unionized environment.
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Familiarity with Global Manufacturing System (GMS) and Business Plan Deployment (BPD).
