Global Color, Materials and Finishes (CMF) – Appearance Quality – Appearance Definition Lead

Job Description

The Role

As an Appearance Definition Lead within Global Color, Materials & Finishes (CMF) and Appearance Quality, you will play a critical role in documenting and maintaining the visual identity of our vehicles. This position ensures that all color and material appearance attributes align with design intent and brand strategy across global programs. You’ll collaborate with design studios, engineering teams, and program management to deliver high-quality appearance standards that enhance customer experience and brand perception. Your work directly impacts the harmony and consistency of vehicle interiors and exteriors throughout the development process.

• Create, manage, and maintain CTDAR (Color & Trim Design Appearance Requirements) documents for assigned programs.
• Coordinate milestone releases and updates to support program changes and GVDP deliverables.
• Lead appearance definition meetings and gate reviews, including virtual assessments.
• Collaborate with global design studios and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment to appearance direction.
• Proactively identify and resolve disconnects related to appearance requirements promptly.
• Support development processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for CMF and Appearance Quality.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Design, Business, or Communications (or equivalent experience).
• Automotive industry experience in design or engineering for interiors/exteriors.
• Experience in color, grain, gloss, and overall appearance attributes.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; ability to create and deliver presentations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to lead meetings and collaborate effectively across global teams.
• Demonstrate an elevated level of interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical skills.

• Familiarity with GVDP (Global Vehicle Development Process).
• Knowledge of purchasing systems (eSOR, DCR/XCR/PCCR, PPC).
• Experience with Photoshop and advanced visualization tools.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on appearance.
• Creative and innovative approach to problem-solving.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us 

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. 

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

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