Paint Production Manager / Production Lead (Contract)

Merritt Recruitment; Fraddam; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation support

Job summary

Merritt Recruitment seeks an experienced Paint Production Manager, Coatings Manufacturing Specialist, or Senior Production Lead to support a decorative paint operation in Southern England on a 4-6 week contract. The role is hands-on and requires a technically competent paint manufacturing professional to lead production activities, ensure quality, troubleshoot issues and work on the shop floor.

The successful candidate will supervise 1-2 operatives, operate forklifts, record data in MRPeasy, and

Qualifications

• Experience manufacturing decorative paints.
• Strong understanding of paint production processes, raw materials and QC requirements.
• Experience leading or supervising production operations.
• Forklift licence and forklift operating experience.
• Physically capable of participating in manufacturing, mixing and filling activities.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of production output.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Must have unrestricted right to work in the UK (Sponsorship is not available).

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day paint production activities at our manufacturing facility in Southern England.
• Manufacture water-based paint products in accordance with existing formulations and production standards.
• Ensure all batches meet required quality specifications and performance standards.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of 1-2 production operatives supporting production and filling activities.
• Operate a forklift truck to move raw materials, intermediates, tanks and finished products.
• Monitor production efficiency and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing workflows.
• Ensure accurate recording of production data and stock movements through MRPeasy.
• Work closely with the London team to understand existing manufacturing processes and quality expectations.
• Troubleshoot production issues and provide practical solutions where required.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, safety and quality control.

Skills

Paint production

Production leadership

Forklift operation

Quality control

Problem solving

Independent worker

Communication skills

Tools

MRPeasy

Job description

Paint Production Manager / Production Lead (Contract)

Contract Length: 4-6 Weeks

We are seeking an experienced Paint Production Manager, Coatings Manufacturing Specialist, or Senior Production Lead to support a decorative paint manufacturing operation during a period of absence within the production team.

This is a hands-on contract role requiring a technically competent paint manufacturing professional who can lead production activities, maintain quality standards, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and work directly on the shop floor. The successful candidate will be responsible for paint batches manufacturing and optimising production processes and efficiency.

The role would suit a contractor, consultant, retired industry professional, or an experienced coatings manufacturing specialist who enjoys combining technical expertise with practical factory-based production leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day paint production activities at our manufacturing facility in Southern England.

• Manufacture water-based paint products in accordance with existing formulations and production standards.

• Ensure all batches meet required quality specifications and performance standards.

• Supervise and coordinate the work of 1-2 production operatives supporting production and filling activities.

• Operate a forklift truck to move raw materials, intermediates, tanks and finished products.

• Monitor production efficiency and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing workflows.

• Ensure accurate recording of production data and stock movements through MRPeasy.

• Work closely with the London team to understand existing manufacturing processes and quality expectations.

• Troubleshoot production issues and provide practical solutions where required.

• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, safety and quality control.

Subject to production demands, there may be opportunities to contribute to:

• Product development and formulation projects.

• Process optimisation initiatives.

• Colour standardisation and master shade alignment projects.

• Manufacturing efficiency improvements and operational recommendations.

Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience manufacturing decorative paints.

• Strong understanding of paint production processes, raw materials and quality control requirements.

• Experience leading or supervising production operations.

• Forklift licence and forklift operating experience.

• Physically capable of participating in manufacturing, mixing and filling activities.

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of production output.

• Good organisational and communication skills.

• Must have unrestricted right to work in the UK (Sponsorship is not available)

Why This Role?

While this is a short-term assignment, it offers the opportunity to take ownership of a critical production function, make an immediate impact, and support a growing business during an important stage of its development.

Excellent salary and accommodation support may be offered to the successful candidate.