Paint Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GTI is a contract manufacturing partner supporting customers in renewable energy, power generation, infrastructure, and industrial systems.

We fabricate custom designed, purpose-built enclosures and skids for our customers and perform mechanical and electrical integration in-house, delivering a true turn-key product to our customers. Our scope spans Engineering, prototype builds, through full production, requiring teams that can move fast, adapt, and execute with precision.

GTI Values: Safety I Quality I Customer Obsession I Speed I Agility

This Plant Manager role is responsible for full operational execution, scaling production, and delivering against throughput, quality, safety, and on-time delivery in a contract manufacturing environment. This role owns a large-scale manufacturing P&L ($100M+) and requires strong financial leadership, operational discipline, and experience scaling manufacturing operations in industrial environments. The Plant Manager will oversee Manufacturing Managers, Production Managers, Value Stream Managers, and Supervisors while driving performance across fabrication, welding, industrial assembly, electrical integration, and paint operations. The ideal candidate will bring a background in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with deep experience across fabrication and system integration processes

• Lead full-site manufacturing operations as a Plant Manager across fabrication, welding, industrial assembly, electrical integration, and paint
• Oversee Manufacturing Managers, Production Managers, Value Stream Managers, and Supervisors across all production functions
• Drive execution in a high-mix, engineered-to-order contract manufacturing environment
• Ensure alignment of production schedules, system integration activities, and Bill of Materials (BOM) execution across all departments
• Scale operations to support production growth, capacity expansion, and facility performance

• Lead enterprise Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 5S, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement programs across the plant
• Apply Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, and Fishbone methodologies to eliminate defects and improve performance
• Drive plant-wide improvements in throughput, cycle time, and operational efficiency
• Standardize processes and scale best practices across fabrication, welding, assembly, electrical, and paint operations

• Own plant-level KPIs including on-time delivery, on-time release, inventory turns, throughput, safety, and quality
• Drive ISO9001 compliance and ensure quality systems are embedded across all manufacturing functions
• Improve defect rates, reduce rework, and increase production stability
• Establish performance accountability across all levels of the organization

• Own and manage a large manufacturing P&L ($100M+), including cost control, labor efficiency, and operational spend
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization strategies
• Drive margin improvement through operational efficiency, waste reduction, and process optimization
• Monitor cost drivers including labor, material utilization, and overhead

• Lead plant-wide safety performance, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards and internal safety protocols
• Maintain a strong safety culture with measurable KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with ISO9001 and internal quality standards across all operations

• Partner with Engineering to resolve system integration challenges, fitment issues, and design improvements
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure material availability, BOM accuracy, and inventory performance
• Work with Quality to enforce standards and drive corrective actions
• Align with Program Management to support production schedules and delivery commitments

• Build and lead a high-performing manufacturing organization across all production functions
• Develop Manufacturing Managers, Production Managers, and Supervisors to drive operational excellence
• Establish leadership accountability and performance standards across the plant
• Support workforce development including technical training, certifications, and leadership growth

• 10–15+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles including Plant Manager, Operations Manager, or Manufacturing Manager
• Extensive experience managing large-scale manufacturing P&L ($100M+)
• Experience in contract manufacturing and industrial manufacturing environments
• Strong background across fabrication, welding, industrial assembly, electrical integration, and paint operations
• Proven experience leading Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Six Sigma initiatives
• Experience managing plant-level KPIs including throughput, inventory turns, on-time delivery, safety, and quality
• Strong operational and financial leadership experience in high-mix, engineered-to-order environments

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Experience scaling manufacturing operations in high-growth environments
• Experience with automation, welding robots, or advanced manufacturing processes
• Certified welder or electrician a plus
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing certifications, or structured problem solving methodologies

GTI Energy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees and their families while providing long-term career growth opportunities within a fast-growing manufacturing organization. Benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (where applicable)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Sick time in accordance with state and local requirements
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Career advancement opportunities within a rapidly growing organization
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing, modular infrastructure, and large-scale industrial projects
• Collaborative, fast-paced environment with strong operational and engineering leadership
• Employee-focused culture centered on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on position, location, and employment classification.

GTI promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. We also value the safety of all employees and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.

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