Medix Specialty Vehicles is seeking an experienced and results-driven Paint Shop Manager to lead all aspects of our paint department operations. This position is responsible for the overall performance of the department, including safety, quality, production, employee development, staffing, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Paint Shop Manager will provide direct leadership and direction to 36 hourly team members and 3 Group Leaders, ensuring a safe, productive, and quality-focused work environment. As a key member of the operations leadership team, this individual will drive operational excellence while maintaining the high standards expected of Medix emergency vehicles. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can balance people development, process improvement, quality requirements, and production demands.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Personnel Management Team Leadership Provide daily leadership, coaching, and direction for 36 hourly team members and 3 Group Leaders. Establish clear expectations and hold team members accountable for safety, quality, productivity, and attendance. Foster a positive, team-oriented culture focused on employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement. Talent Acquisition Lead recruiting, interviewing, and hiring activities for paint department positions. Identify and attract skilled technicians who align with Medix values and culture. Employee Relations Manage employee performance through coaching, performance evaluations, corrective actions, and recognition programs. Address employee concerns and work collaboratively with Human Resources to resolve issues when necessary. Administer disciplinary actions and terminations in accordance with company policies. Administrative Oversight Manage employee attendance, staffing levels, timecards, and scheduling. Process merit increases and support employee development initiatives. Maintain accurate departmental records and workforce metrics. Succession Planning Identify high-potential employees and develop future leaders within the department. Medix Specialty Vehicles | Paint Shop Manager Page 2 Create and maintain development plans for key technical and leadership positions.
SAFETY, COMPLIANCE & WORKPLACE STANDARDS
Safety Leadership Champion a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to all company safety policies. Lead safety initiatives and actively participate in plant-wide safety programs. Conduct regular safety audits, investigations, and corrective actions. Regulatory Compliance Ensure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable environmental regulations. Monitor proper handling, storage, and disposal of paints, chemicals, and hazardous materials. Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilation systems. Plant Cleanliness & Organization Maintain a professional, organized, and "tour-ready" paint facility. Drive 5S initiatives and ensure cleanliness standards are consistently met throughout the paint department, including booths, mixing rooms, storage areas, and workstations.
TRAINING & EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
Technical Training Develop and implement training programs focused on surface preparation, paint application, color matching, finishing techniques, and equipment operation. Ensure team members are properly trained and certified where required. Coaching & Mentorship Provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities to employees and Group Leaders. Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional growth. Support cross-training efforts to improve workforce flexibility and department performance.
PRODUCTION & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Production Management Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules are achieved. Coordinate labor and resources to meet customer commitments and production goals. Monitor department performance and respond quickly to changing priorities. Workflow Optimization Analyze production processes and identify opportunities to improve throughput and efficiency. Eliminate bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve productivity. Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to implement process improvements. Resource Management Ensure proper utilization of labor, materials, equipment, and paint inventory. Support cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and safety standards.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Product Quality Maintain exceptional standards for paint appearance, durability, adhesion, and color consistency. Ensure all finished products meet customer specifications and Medix quality standards. Medix Specialty Vehicles | Paint Shop Manager Page 3 Lead corrective actions for paint-related defects and implement preventive measures. Continuous Improvement Utilize performance metrics and root cause analysis to identify opportunities for improvement. Support lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects. Drive defect reduction and first-pass yield improvements throughout the department.
QUALIFICATIONS
Previous leadership experience in a manufacturing paint operation required. Strong knowledge of automotive, industrial, or specialty vehicle painting processes preferred. Demonstrated experience managing production schedules, quality systems, and employee development. Working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and environmental compliance requirements. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing reporting systems. Ability to lead in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple priorities.
WHY MEDIX?
At Medix, we do more than build ambulances. We build life-saving vehicles that first responders depend on every day. The Paint Shop Manager plays a critical role in ensuring every vehicle leaving our facility reflects the quality, craftsmanship, and reliability that our customers expect. This is an opportunity to lead a talented team, drive operational excellence, and make a meaningful impact on products that serve communities across the country
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance