Finishing Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Finishing Manager

Position Summary

The Finishing Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a manufacturing finishing department, with a primary focus on water-based paint and coating systems used in cabinet, furniture, or millwork production. This position leads department personnel, manages production schedules, ensures compliance with quality and safety standards, and drives continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise in wood finishing processes, waterborne coatings, spray application systems, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Department Operations & Production

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily finishing department operations, including sanding, staining, sealing, and topcoat application.
• Manage production schedules to meet delivery commitments while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Monitor workflow, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with production, scheduling, and quality teams to ensure alignment of finishing operations with manufacturing goals.
• Track departmental performance metrics and implement corrective actions when needed.

Water-Based Paint Systems & Technical Expertise

• Serve as the subject matter expert for water-based coating systems, including waterborne lacquers, polyurethanes, stains, and pigmented paints.
• Oversee mixing, tinting, and color-matching processes to ensure consistency across production runs.
• Manage spray application equipment, including HVLP, airless, air-assisted airless, and electrostatic systems.
• Troubleshoot finishing issues such as grain raising, fisheyes, orange peel, runs, sags, adhesion failures, and sheen inconsistencies.
• Evaluate emerging finishing technologies and recommend process, equipment, or product improvements.

Quality Assurance

• Establish and maintain finish quality standards for color accuracy, sheen consistency, film thickness, and surface quality.
• Conduct inspections throughout the finishing process, including post-sanding, staining, sealing, and topcoat stages.
• Investigate and resolve finish-related quality concerns, customer complaints, and product returns.
• Maintain approved finish standards, sample boards, color libraries, and finishing documentation.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to continuously improve quality performance.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and develop finishing department personnel, including finishers, spray technicians, and sanding staff.
• Provide ongoing coaching and technical training focused on finishing techniques, equipment operation, quality standards, and safety procedures.
• Promote a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations and manage employee development plans.
• Address employee relations and disciplinary matters in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Environmental, Health & Safety Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Oversee proper storage, handling, and disposal of coatings, solvents, and related finishing materials in accordance with Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Maintain spray booth systems, ventilation equipment, fire suppression systems, and related safety infrastructure.
• Conduct routine safety audits and ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Promote a safe work environment through training, communication, and continuous monitoring.

Equipment & Inventory Management

• Oversee preventive maintenance programs for spray booths, sanding equipment, finishing lines, conveyors, curing systems, and related equipment.
• Coordinate repairs, upgrades, and service activities with maintenance personnel and external vendors.
• Manage inventory levels of coatings, stains, consumables, and finishing supplies.
• Partner with purchasing and supply chain teams to ensure material availability and cost control.
• Monitor department spending and assist with budget planning and management.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in wood finishing, coatings application, or a related manufacturing environment.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience in cabinet, furniture, millwork, or woodworking manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise with water-based finishing systems, including application techniques, troubleshooting, and quality control.
• Strong knowledge of spray application equipment and finishing department operations.
• Proven leadership ability with experience developing and managing production teams.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations, environmental compliance requirements, and safe chemical handling practices.
• Ability to read and interpret color specifications, finish schedules, manufacturing drawings, and work instructions.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred

• Associate degree, technical certification, or formal training in coatings technology, wood technology, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience with automated finishing systems, robotic spraying, or UV-cure technologies.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S principles.
• Experience with ERP, MES, or manufacturing software systems.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and finishing chemicals while utilizing appropriate PPE.
• Regular use of respirators, hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, and other required protective equipment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution or matching opportunities.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.
• Supportive, team-oriented manufacturing environment focused on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.