Colourist

Ashby Finance Ltd; Preston Capes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Breakfast rolls on Thursdays

Free parking

On-site coffee machines

Motorsport event tickets

Job summary

Ashby Finance Ltd is seeking a skilled Colourist for a hands-on automotive colour development role near Daventry. This day shift position offers overtime on weekdays and Saturdays and a salary of £50,000 - £55,000, Contract-to-Perm.

You will create, match, and refine bespoke colours across finishes and materials, including carbon fibre, supporting multiple departments with colour solutions. Proficiency with colour systems, Excel trackers, and supplier coordination is essential to maintain

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on colour development experience.
• Strong knowledge of colour theory, tinting, and formulation within automotive paints.
• Experience with systems such as Akzo Nobel, Sikkens, PPG, Lechler, Car Systems (preferred).
• Familiarity with water-based and solvent systems and gloss level finishes.
• Proficiency with Excel and colour tracking systems; strong written and verbal communication.
• Hands-on, collaborative attitude with ability to work independently when required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, match, and adjust bespoke automotive colours using solvent and water-based paint systems.
• Develop solid, 2-stage, 3-stage, and specialist colours to meet bespoke vehicle requirements.
• Work with carbon fibre tints, colour samples and finishes across gloss levels.
• Troubleshoot colour and finish issues, making adjustments prior to approval and production.
• Use colour-matching software and calibrated equipment for accurate, repeatable finishes.
• Coordinate with paint suppliers and Material Planning for materials and timelines.

Skills

Colour development

Colour theory

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Independent work

Tools

Excel

Colour matching software

Job description

£50,000 - £55,000 Contract-to-Perm

Day Shift (Opportunity for overtime on weekdays and Saturdays)

Location: Nr Daventry

Join a Team of Automotive Experts!

Colourist desired for a bespoke company in vehicle restoration based near Daventry.

Are you a Paint perfectionist with a passion for automotive finishes? We're looking for a skilled Colourist to provide expert support across a variety of departments. If you thrive on precision, creativity, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment - this could be your perfect next move.

About The Role

You will play a key role in creating, matching, and refining automotive paint colours across a variety of finishes and materials - including advanced visual carbon fibre. You'll support multiple departments by developing bespoke colour solutions, solving complex colour challenges, and ensuring the highest standards in finish quality. This is a hands-on, technical position ideal for someone with a strong eye for detail, a passion for colour accuracy, and experience working with industry-leading paint systems and software.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, match, and adjust bespoke automotive colours using solvent and water-based paint systems.
• Develop solid, 2-stage, 3-stage, and specialist colours to meet bespoke vehicle requirements.
• Work with visual carbon fibre tints, colour samples and finishes across a range of gloss levels.
• Troubleshoot colour and finish issues, making adjustments and refinements prior to approval and production.
• Use colour-matching software and calibrated equipment to achieve accurate and repeatable finishes.
• Work with paint suppliers and Material Planning to source, order and coordinate materials for colour development and production.
• Maintain accurate Excel trackers covering paint orders, supplier requirements, development status, and delivery dates.
• Own and manage the paint development and production colour budget, tracking and controlling expenditure.
• Provide technical colour and paint support to internal teams and highlight risks affecting development or vehicle delivery.
• Work in accordance with Technical Data Sheets, COSHH, Health and Safety and environmental requirements.
• Ensure all paint materials are ordered, tracked and available in line with development and production requirements.

Who We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on colour development experience.
• Strong knowledge of colour theory, tinting, and formulation within the automotive paint industry.
• Experience with systems such as Akzo Nobel, Sikkens, PPG, Lechler, Car Systems, and Akzo Nobel colour training (preferred but not essential).
• Familiarity with water-based and solvent systems, including finishing at various gloss levels.
• Confident using Microsoft Excel and tracking systems to manage paint orders, development status, supplier requirements, and delivery dates.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• A hands-on, collaborative attitude with the ability to work independently when required.

Why Join?

• Be a part of an inclusive and supportive team that genuinely cares about celebrating successes.
• Day Shift - Monday to Friday
• Work in a modern, bright, and airy facility.
• Perks: Enjoy breakfast rolls on Thursdays, free parking, and on-site coffee machines.
• Motorsport Enthusiast? Get the opportunity for free/discounted tickets to motorsport events in the local area.

Hours

• Day Shift: Monday to Thursday (7.00am - 16.30pm) and Fridays (7.00am - 12.45pm) with the opportunity for overtime.