Paint Maker / Paint Technician

Merritt Recruitment; Rottingdean; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Merritt Recruitment is seeking a hands-on Paint Maker to join the production team of a leading coatings manufacturer. You will compound raw materials and produce high-quality paints and coatings to precise specifications.

You will operate industrial mixing equipment, assist in scaling formulations, adjust colour to match standards, and maintain safety and quality records. This role offers growth in a forward-thinking company that values quality and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in manufacturing as a Paint Maker or related role.
• Strong knowledge of paint chemistry and raw materials.
• Ability to follow detailed formulations and batch records precisely.

Responsibilities

• Mix pigments, resins, solvents and additives per formulations.
• Operate and maintain industrial mixing, grinding and dispersion equipment.
• Match colours to exact specs using colour systems and QC checks.
• Follow health, safety and quality procedures at all times.
• Monitor stock levels and complete batch records; support production improvements.

Skills

Paint production experience

Colour matching

Attention to detail

Follow formulations

Education

A-Level in Chemistry or equivalent

Tools

Industrial mixers & dispersers

Job description

Our client is a leading manufacturer in the coatings industry, known for developing innovative, high-performance products for decorative, industrial, marine, and protective applications. With a reputation for technical excellence and continuous investment in manufacturing and product development, they are experiencing exciting growth.

They are now seeking a hands‑on Paint Maker to join their production team and play a key role in delivering high‑quality coatings. If you have experience in large‑scale mixing, blending, or dispersion within paints, inks, adhesives, chemicals, or cosmetics, your skills could be a perfect fit. This is an excellent opportunity to work with specialist equipment, expand your technical expertise, and develop your career within a forward‑thinking organisation. Join a business that values quality, innovation, and the people who make it happen

Responsibilities:

As a Paint Maker, you will be responsible for compounding raw materials and producing high‑quality paints and coatings in line with precise specifications. You will work closely with production and technical teams, operating specialist machinery, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring all products meet customer and business requirements.

Paint Production & Blending

• Mix raw materials including pigments, resins, solvents, and additives according to detailed formulations and batch specifications.

• Monitor and control mixing processes to ensure consistent product quality.

• Assist in scaling formulations from laboratory to production batches where required.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Operate industrial mixing, grinding, milling, and dispersion equipment safely and efficiently.

• Carry out routine equipment checks and basic maintenance.

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to machinery performance and production processes.

Colour Matching & Quality Control

• Adjust paint batches to achieve precise colour, gloss, opacity, and performance specifications.

• Utilise manual and computerised colour‑matching systems where applicable.

• Conduct quality checks throughout the manufacturing process to ensure compliance with company standards.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all health, safety, environmental, and quality management procedures.

• Handle hazardous materials safely and responsibly.

• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment.

• Inventory & Production Support

• Monitor stock levels of raw materials and report shortages to relevant departments.

• Accurately complete batch records and production documentation.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, quality, and productivity.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a hands‑on manufacturing professional with experience in paint production, coatings, or chemical blending environments.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• A-Level in Chemistry, relevant technical qualification, or equivalent.

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a manufacturing environment as a Paint Maker, Paint Technician, Chemical Mixer, Coatings Technician, or similar role.

• Good understanding of paint chemistry, raw materials, and coating characteristics.

• Experience operating industrial mixers, blenders, mills, and dispensing equipment.

• Strong attention to detail with excellent colour perception and visual accuracy.

• Ability to follow formulations and technical instructions precisely.

• Good problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve production issues efficiently.

• Strong commitment to health, safety, and quality standards.

• Right to work in the UK, Sponsorship is not available

Desirable

• Higher education qualification in Chemistry, Materials Science, Coatings Technology, or a related discipline.

• Experience working with decorative, industrial, marine, or protective coatings.

• Knowledge of colour‑matching software and quality control procedures.

Whether you're already working in paints and coatings or have experience with large‑scale mixing and dispersion in industries such as inks, adhesives, chemicals, coatings or cosmetics, this is a fantastic opportunity to transfer your skills into a thriving sector. You'll work with specialist equipment, manufacture high‑quality products, and build your career with a company that values expertise, development, and continuous improvement.

If you enjoy working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, take pride in producing quality products, and want to be part of a supportive and forward‑thinking team, we'd love to hear from you.