ACM Exterior Paint Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: ACM Exterior Paint Design Manager

Company: Stellantis

Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Operations / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and influence world-class product design concepts, driving innovation and customer-focused experiences within Stellantis.

• Spearhead the development and execution of exterior paint design strategies, ensuring high aesthetic standards and quality across global brands.

• Manage complex, cross-functional projects, fostering collaboration between Design, Paint Operations, Purchasing, Materials Engineering, and Manufacturing.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the Design Office and its connected operational functions.

• Develop and mentor the next generation of automotive designers, contributing to the overall talent pipeline and expertise within Stellantis.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical leadership function within the Design Office, focusing specifically on exterior paint aesthetics and manufacturing integration. The emphasis on "driving pride and passion" and "inventing and reinventing automotive technologies and designs" suggests a highly strategic and innovative aspect to the role, extending beyond typical design management. The core function appears to be bridging the gap between creative design vision and practical, high-quality manufacturing execution for exterior paint finishes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional design leadership for exterior paint and color development from concept through production, aligning with Stellantis's specific timing and deliverable requirements.

• Define and articulate a strong design vision for exterior paint, ensuring it resonates with brand identity and customer expectations.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including engineering, brand, planning, purchasing, manufacturing, and craftsmanship to innovate and optimize material development for exterior paint.

• Manage supplier relationships and work closely with developers to ensure design intent is realized across diverse programs and projects.

• Prepare and present model year exterior paint plans, including reporting out on color and material development status, and escalating issues as needed.

• Make balanced decisions regarding program costs, complexity, and aesthetic execution, ensuring feasibility and profitability.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within exterior paint design and manufacturing processes.

• Stay abreast of global automotive design concepts and emerging design trends to inform future paint and color strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative design leadership and operational execution. The "ACM Exterior Paint Design Manager" title implies a deep understanding of the automotive color and coatings (ACM) process, including material science, manufacturing constraints, and quality control specific to paint applications. The role requires not just aesthetic judgment but also a practical grasp of production realities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Industrial Design, Fine Arts, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive product design, materials engineering, or manufacturing, with demonstrated progression in responsibility and leadership.

• A minimum of 2 years of formal management or leadership experience, overseeing teams or significant projects.

• Proven track record of leading 3 or more production design programs from feasibility brief through production, or equivalent experience with major project/concept vehicle completion. Required Skills:

• Design Leadership: Ability to inspire, guide, and motivate design teams and cross-functional partners towards a unified vision.

• Automotive Exterior Paint & Color Expertise: Deep understanding of paint technologies, color theory, material properties, application processes, and manufacturing constraints relevant to automotive exteriors.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, marketing, and supplier teams.

• Project Management: Experience managing complex design programs with strict timelines, deliverables, and budget considerations.

• Aesthetic Development & Quality Execution: Strong sense of design aesthetics and a commitment to achieving the highest standards of visual quality in paint finishes.

• Presentation & Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to articulate design concepts, present strategies, and inspire large audiences with clarity and confidence.

• Artistic Representation: Proficiency in 2-D presentation techniques using software such as Adobe Photoshop or equivalent, alongside strong Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.

• Trend Analysis: Exceptional awareness of global automotive design concepts and emerging trends in color, materials, and finishes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific Stellantis design and development processes and tools.

• Knowledge of materials engineering principles related to automotive coatings.

• Familiarity with supply chain management and procurement processes for automotive materials.

• Experience in leading global design initiatives or collaborating with international teams.

• Advanced proficiency in design visualization software beyond Photoshop.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "substantial experience or knowledge in developing and leading within Stellantis Exterior paint and manufacturing core functions" suggests that prior experience within Stellantis or a very similar automotive manufacturing environment is highly advantageous, if not implicitly required for success. The emphasis on "balanced decision making with respect to program costs and complexity" indicates that candidates need to demonstrate business acumen alongside creative and technical skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Program Case Studies: Showcase at least 3 comprehensive case studies detailing the lifecycle of exterior paint design programs led from feasibility to production. Each case study should clearly outline the design challenges, innovative solutions, cross-functional collaboration, and final production outcomes.

• Aesthetic Development & Quality: Provide examples demonstrating your ability to define and execute high-level aesthetic development for exterior paint, highlighting color selection, finish application, and quality control measures. Visuals of final production vehicles are crucial.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Include examples of initiatives you've led to improve exterior paint processes, material development workflows, or cross-functional collaboration, with quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, lead time reduction, quality improvements).

• Material Innovation Examples: Showcase instances where you successfully innovated or optimized exterior paint materials, considering factors like durability, environmental impact, cost, and aesthetic appeal.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of how to design and optimize workflows for exterior paint and color development, from initial concept ideation through to manufacturing integration. This includes understanding key milestones, decision points, and handoffs.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide evidence of experience in implementing new paint technologies, materials, or processes, and where applicable, leveraging automation to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you establish metrics and analyze performance for exterior paint programs, including color matching accuracy, defect rates, cost per unit, and customer satisfaction related to paint finish.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should strongly emphasize tangible results and process ownership. Candidates should be prepared to discuss not just what they designed, but how they managed the process, collaborated with stakeholders, and ensured successful implementation from a design and manufacturing perspective. The ability to articulate the ROI of design decisions, particularly concerning paint and materials, will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For an ACM Exterior Paint Design Manager role with 10+ years of experience in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a competitive salary range is estimated between $150,000 - $220,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design management positions in the automotive sector within a high-cost-of-living area like Southeast Michigan, considering Stellantis's scale and reputation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with company match, offering a strong pathway to financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to promote work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and participation in industry conferences related to automotive design and materials science.

• Employee Vehicle Programs: Potential for vehicle purchase discounts, lease programs, or other automotive-related perks.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Robust coverage to protect employees and their families.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance, reflecting contributions to design innovation and execution.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases or to meet program deadlines. While the role is on-site, Stellantis may offer some flexibility in daily scheduling, subject to team and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is a broad estimate for a senior leadership role in the automotive industry in the specified location. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's internal compensation structure. Benefits listed are typical for large automotive manufacturers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing. Stellantis is one of the world's leading automakers, operating under iconic brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Peugeot, and Citroën. This industry is characterized by rapid innovation, intense competition, global supply chains, and a strong emphasis on product quality, safety, and design.

Company Size: Stellantis is a very large enterprise, employing over 270,000 people globally. This scale means significant resources, complex organizational structures, and opportunities for large-scale impact. For operations professionals, this translates to exposure to robust processes, extensive data, and the ability to influence large-scale initiatives.

Founded: Stellantis was formed in January 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. This recent formation suggests a culture that may be integrating diverse operational philosophies and striving to build a unified, forward-looking identity. The legacy of its constituent companies, however, brings a deep history of automotive innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager likely operates within a larger Design Office structure, potentially organized by functional discipline (e.g., Exterior Design, Interior Design, Color & Materials, Digital Design).

• This role specifically focuses on Exterior Paint, implying a close working relationship with Exterior Design teams, but also significant integration with Materials Engineering, Paint Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, and Purchasing departments.

• Reporting structure would likely be to a Director or VP of Design, with direct reports potentially including senior designers, color specialists, or material engineers focused on paint. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are informed by market research, customer feedback, competitive analysis, and performance metrics related to paint durability, color acceptance, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Agile Development Principles: While automotive development cycles are long, there's an increasing adoption of agile methodologies for certain aspects of design and technology integration, emphasizing iterative development and rapid prototyping.

• Cross-Functional Integration: A core methodology involves seamless collaboration and communication across diverse departments to ensure design concepts are feasible, cost-effective, and manufacturable.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of constantly seeking ways to enhance processes, materials, and aesthetic outcomes through rigorous analysis and feedback loops.

Company Website: https://www.stellantis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Stellantis's recent formation means it's likely in a phase of consolidating best practices and forging a unified culture. For an operations professional, understanding the integration challenges and opportunities will be key. The company's vast size and global reach offer unparalleled exposure to complex, large-scale operations and diverse market demands.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, operating at a management level focused on a specialized area (exterior paint design) with significant cross-functional impact. It requires a blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and strong leadership capabilities. The role is pivotal in translating strategic design direction into tangible, high-quality product execution.

Reporting Structure: The ACM Exterior Paint Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President of Design or potentially a VP of Product Development. They will manage a team of designers and specialists focused on exterior paint and color, and will work very closely with peers in other design disciplines, as well as functional leaders in engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the perceived quality, brand identity, and customer appeal of Stellantis vehicles. The aesthetic quality of exterior paint directly influences brand perception, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, sales volume and market share. Decisions made regarding paint materials and finishes have ripple effects on manufacturing costs, production efficiency, and environmental compliance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Director Level: Progression to a Director of Exterior Design, Director of Color & Materials, or a broader leadership role overseeing multiple design disciplines.

• Specialization Deepening: Becoming a recognized global expert within Stellantis for automotive coatings, materials, and their application, potentially leading advanced R&D initiatives.

• Cross-Brand Leadership: Opportunities to lead design initiatives across different Stellantis brands, gaining exposure to diverse market segments and design philosophies.

• Process Innovation Leadership: Spearheading company-wide initiatives to modernize paint development processes, integrate new technologies, or improve sustainability in coatings.

• Executive Leadership: With significant proven success and a broader business acumen, potential pathways into executive leadership roles within product development or operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is substantial, given Stellantis's size and the critical nature of design in the automotive industry. Success here can lead to very high-level strategic positions influencing the future direction of the company's product portfolio.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at Stellantis's Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters, a major hub for automotive design, engineering, and corporate functions. The environment is expected to be a professional, corporate office setting with dedicated design studios and collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): The primary location is 1000 Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills, Michigan, 48326. This is a well-established automotive research and development center, likely offering state-of-the-art facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Studios: Access to modern design studios equipped with advanced visualization tools, physical model shops, and material libraries.

• Technology Integration: The workspace will be equipped with the necessary IT infrastructure, design software, and communication tools to support complex project management and cross-functional collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with design teams, engineers, manufacturing specialists, and other key stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.

• Exposure to Physical Product: The role is deeply connected to the physical product, with opportunities to interact with concept vehicles, prototypes, and production models.

Work Schedule: While the core work is full-time (40 hours/week), the demands of automotive product development, especially during critical program phases, may require flexibility and occasional extended hours. The on-site nature ensures full immersion in the design and development process and direct collaboration with teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Auburn Hills location is a significant center for automotive innovation, particularly for brands with a strong heritage in the US market. The on-site requirement is crucial for hands-on work with physical prototypes and direct collaboration with manufacturing and engineering teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or talent acquisition will review applications, focusing on meeting minimum qualifications and assessing alignment with core skills.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into your experience, leadership style, and technical expertise related to exterior paint design and manufacturing. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your role, the design process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes, with a strong emphasis on exterior paint.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and potentially Brand teams to assess collaboration skills, understanding of their functions, and ability to integrate design with operational realities.

• Senior Leadership Interview: A final discussion with a Director or VP level executive to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit within Stellantis Design.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that specifically highlight your leadership in exterior paint design, material innovation, and cross-functional program management.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business impact. Use metrics where possible: e.g., "Reduced paint defect rate by X%," "Achieved Y% cost savings through material optimization," "Contributed to a Z% increase in customer satisfaction scores for paint finish."

• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly detail your interactions and contributions within cross-functional teams. Use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate complex workflows you managed or influenced.

• Focus on "How": Don't just show the final product; explain your thought process, the decisions you made, the challenges you overcame, and how you leveraged your skills and collaborated to achieve the results.

• Visual Excellence: Ensure high-quality visuals (renderings, photos of finished vehicles, material samples) that showcase your aesthetic judgment and attention to detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared for case studies or hypothetical scenarios where you might be asked to propose solutions for a specific exterior paint challenge (e.g., achieving a new visual effect, meeting new environmental regulations, cost reduction targets).

• Process Improvement Scenarios: You might be asked to outline how you would improve a specific aspect of the paint development process within Stellantis, demonstrating your understanding of workflow optimization and operational efficiency.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Practice articulating how you would gain buy-in and align diverse stakeholders (e.g., engineers focused on cost, marketing focused on trends, manufacturing focused on feasibility) around a particular design direction for exterior paint.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design talent but also the candidate's ability to operate effectively within a large, complex automotive organization. Strong storytelling about past successes, backed by data and clear process explanations, will be critical for portfolio reviews and case study discussions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for 2D rendering, image manipulation, and visual communication (Photoshop, Illustrator).

• 3D Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD/CAE software for visualization and potentially design support (e.g., CATIA, Alias, Blender, SolidWorks) is highly beneficial for understanding form and application.

• PLM Software: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management systems (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill) for managing design data, revisions, and BOMs.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, reporting, and presentations; Word for documentation; PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or internal Stellantis dashboards for analyzing program performance, defect rates, and trend data.

• Spreadsheet Analysis: Deep Excel skills for complex data manipulation, statistical analysis, and financial modeling related to material costs and program budgets.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader ERP/MRP systems for material procurement, manufacturing planning, and supply chain management is important. Familiarity with internal Stellantis systems for project tracking and collaboration.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or internal Stellantis equivalents for real-time communication and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Photoshop and Excel in the basic qualifications points to the need for strong visual communication and analytical skills. While advanced 3D modeling might not be the primary focus, understanding how paint integrates with 3D forms is crucial. Experience with Stellantis's specific internal systems would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Product: A deep-seated enthusiasm for automotive design and engineering, driving a commitment to creating exceptional vehicles.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the end-user experience and translating customer needs and desires into compelling design solutions.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging bold ideas, pushing boundaries, and fostering an environment where new concepts in paint and materials can emerge.

• Quality & Execution: Upholding the highest standards for aesthetic quality, material performance, and manufacturing precision.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Building trust and open communication channels across all teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective problem-solving.

• Efficiency & Accountability: Driving processes that are lean, cost-effective, and deliver results reliably, with clear ownership and accountability.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: The expectation is for seamless collaboration, where design is not an isolated function but an integral part of the product development ecosystem.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in design and processes.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Actively engaging with and respecting the expertise of engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and marketing teams to achieve shared goals.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages the sharing of best practices, emerging trends, and lessons learned across design and operational teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Stellantis, being a merged entity, likely emphasizes values that promote unity, innovation, and customer-centricity. For operations professionals, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics with Production Realities: The primary challenge is reconciling ambitious design visions for exterior paint with manufacturing constraints, cost targets, and material availability.

• Global Brand Consistency: Ensuring a consistent and high-quality exterior paint experience across diverse global brands, each with unique market expectations and aesthetic preferences.

• Rapidly Evolving Trends & Technologies: Keeping pace with fast-changing design trends, new paint technologies (e.g., sustainable coatings, advanced finishes), and evolving customer preferences.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Effectively leading and collaborating with teams and suppliers across different regions and cultures, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Supply Chain Volatility: Navigating potential disruptions in the supply chain for specialized paint materials and pigments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Materials Science: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in cutting-edge automotive coatings, pigments, and surface treatments through specialized training or partnerships.

• Sustainable Design Practices: Engaging with industry initiatives and internal Stellantis programs focused on developing environmentally friendly paint solutions.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship opportunities to enhance management, strategic planning, and executive communication skills.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Participation in leading automotive design and materials conferences to stay updated on trends and network with peers.

• Exposure to Diverse Brands: Gaining experience across Stellantis's broad portfolio of automotive brands, offering a rich learning environment in different design languages and market approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to shape the visual identity of major automotive brands. The challenges are substantial but offer ample scope for professional growth and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing the exterior paint palette for a new electric vehicle platform designed for a global market, considering both aesthetic trends and manufacturing feasibility?" (Focus: Strategic planning, cross-functional integration, trend analysis)

• "Describe a time you had to balance a designer's vision for a unique paint finish with significant cost or manufacturing constraints. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus: Decision-making, problem-solving, cost-benefit analysis)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and buy-in from diverse stakeholders (e.g., engineering, marketing, suppliers) when presenting new exterior paint concepts?" (Focus: Stakeholder management, communication strategy, influence) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Stellantis, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for exterior paint design within the company?" (Focus: Research, strategic thinking, brand understanding)

• "How would you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your exterior paint design team and its operational partners?" (Focus: Leadership, team building, process improvement)

• "Describe your experience working with automotive manufacturing and supply chain teams. How do you ensure design intent is translated effectively into production reality?" (Focus: Operational understanding, collaboration, process execution) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear story for each project: the initial challenge/opportunity, your role and approach, the collaborative process, the key design decisions and innovations (especially regarding paint), and the final measurable results.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality images and graphics to illustrate your points. Show early concepts, material samples, manufacturing processes, and, most importantly, stunning photos of the final production vehicles.

• Data-Driven Impact: For each project, be ready to discuss metrics. How did your paint choices impact cost, quality, customer perception, or environmental footprint?

• Address the "How": Be prepared to explain how you achieved your results. Detail your problem-solving methodology, your collaborative techniques, and your leadership approach.

• Tailor to Stellantis: Briefly mention how your past experiences and skills align with Stellantis's brands, their known design language, or their stated goals (e.g., electrification, sustainability).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who demonstrate not only creative talent but also a deep understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, strong leadership potential, and the ability to drive complex projects to successful completion within a large corporate structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this ACM Exterior Paint Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Stellantis careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords and responsibilities related to automotive exterior paint, color design, materials engineering, manufacturing integration, leadership, and cross-functional project management. Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects that showcase your leadership in exterior paint design. Ensure each project clearly demonstrates your process, collaboration, problem-solving, and tangible results. Prepare to present these visually and discuss them in detail.

• Research Stellantis: Thoroughly research Stellantis's current vehicle lineup, design philosophies across its brands, and any recent announcements regarding design, sustainability, or manufacturing innovation. Understand their competitive landscape.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Anticipate potential design or process improvement challenges and practice articulating your strategic approach and solutions, focusing on exterior paint and color.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.