Protective Coating Specialist

Alternative Heat Ltd; Armagh; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Alternative Heat Ltd. is seeking a Protective Coating Specialist to lead technical coating activities, ensure corrosion protection standards, and drive continuous improvement across UK and Europe. You will develop procedures, supervise inspections, and mentor operatives to achieve right‑first‑time execution.

The role requires coordinating with Manufacturing, Planning, and Commercial teams to align production plans with project demand and asset protection strategies.

Qualifications

• Strong production planning capability and ownership of production schedules.
• Ability to align plans with project delivery requirements and coordinate with multiple teams.
• Experience with coating application standards and corrosion protection strategies.
• Familiarity with quality audits, inspections, and compliance processes.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical authority for corrosion protection, coating systems, surface preparation, and repairs.
• Develop and maintain standards, procedures, and work instructions for coating activities.
• Provide training and mentoring to personnel on coating repair techniques.
• Conduct site visits, audits, and inspections across UK and Europe to verify compliance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects and improve productivity.

Skills

Production planning

Scheduling

Coating systems knowledge

Quality and inspection

Job description

Protective Coating Specialist

Application Deadline: 30 July 2026

Department: Fabrication

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Alternative Heat Head Office

Reporting To: Head of Special Projects

Description

Who are we looking for?

• Planning ownership and accountability — someone who takes responsibility for building and managing production plans that enable operational success.
• Strong production planning capability — developing realistic, achievable production schedules aligned with project delivery requirements.
• Performance and delivery focused — ensuring production plans support safe, efficient, and on-time project delivery.
• Operational alignment — working closely with Manufacturing, Planning, and Commercial teams to ensure coordination and flow.
• Problem‑solving mindset — identifying scheduling risks and implementing practical solutions.
• Continual improvement — supporting improvements in planning processes, tools, and operational efficiency.

Who will you work with?

You’ll work closely with Manufacturing leadership, Planning teams, and Commercial stakeholders to ensure production plans align with business demand and operational capability.

If you focus on results, care about what really matters, and want to be part of a team that gets things done, you’ll fit right in.

What You'll be Doing

Technical Leadership

• Act as the company's recognised technical authority for corrosion protection, coating systems, surface preparation, and coating repairs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain company standards, procedures, work instructions, and best‑practice guidance relating to coating application, repair, and inspection activities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards including ISO 12944, ISO 8501, ISO 8502, ISO 8503, project specifications, and client requirements.
• Provide technical guidance on coating selection, specification development, and corrosion protection strategies for a range of operating environments.
• Review and approve repair methodologies for damaged coatings and non‑conforming work.

Training & Workforce Development

• Design and deliver practical and classroom‑based training programmes for painters, coating technicians, inspectors, supervisors, and quality personnel.
• Develop competency assessment frameworks to verify understanding and application of coating repair techniques.
• Coach and mentor operational personnel to improve workmanship standards and promote a right‑first‑time culture.
• Work closely with site leadership teams to identify capability gaps and implement targeted development plans.
• Provide hands‑on support during implementation of new coating systems, procedures, or technologies.

Site Support & Auditing

• Conduct regular visits to manufacturing facilities and project locations throughout the UK and Europe.
• Perform coating inspections, quality audits, and compliance reviews to verify adherence to approved procedures.
• Investigate coating failures, recurring defects, and quality concerns, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Produce technical reports detailing findings, recommendations, and improvement opportunities.
• Support customer, third‑party, and project‑specific coating inspections where required.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Monitor industry developments, emerging technologies, and advances in coating materials and application techniques.
• Collaborate with coating manufacturers, suppliers, and industry bodies to evaluate new products and solutions.
• Lead initiatives aimed at reducing coating defects, minimising rework, improving productivity, and enhancing long‑term asset protection.
• Establish measurable performance indicators to monitor coating quality and workforce competency.