Paint Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Responsibilities:

 

· Lead, supervise, train, coach, and develop Paint Department personnel while serving as a hands-on working leader.

· Perform paint department functions as needed, including surface preparation, masking, demasking, inspection, wet paint application, powder coating, and related finishing processes.

· Ensure parts are processed according to customer specifications, work instructions, procedures, and quality standards.

· Review daily production requirements, manage departmental workflow, and support production schedules.

· Troubleshoot paint application, coating, equipment, and process-related issues.

· Ensure required documentation, certifications, and production records are accurately completed.

· Support department performance indicators, including Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

· Maintain compliance with customer requirements, internal procedures, OSHA regulations, EPA requirements, and manufacturing safety standards.

· Maintain paint equipment, spray booths, tools, and department work areas.

· Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and employee development.

· Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Production teams to meet customer and manufacturing requirements.

· Promote continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives within the department.

· Support overtime and changing production demands as required.

· Perform physical activities including standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, and lifting up to 25 lbs. regularly and up to 50 lbs. as needed.

 

Qualifications:

· High School Diploma or equivalent.

· Minimum 7 years of industrial painting experience.

· Minimum 3 years of supervisory, leadership, or department lead experience in a paint or finishing environment.

· Extensive experience with wet paint and powder coating applications.

· Experience in aerospace, military, medical, commercial, or other high-specification coating environments.

· Strong knowledge of surface preparation and finishing processes, including masking, sanding, inspection, and bodywork principles.

· Ability to train and develop employees across all Paint Department operations.

· Working knowledge of paint inspection processes, coating quality standards, and customer specifications.

· Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, procedures, and work instructions.

· Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and manufacturing safety requirements.

· Strong communication, leadership, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

· Positive, team-oriented attitude.

· Preferred: NADCAP experience, aerospace and defense experience, employee training program development, and Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience