Paint Operations Manager

Ajulia Executive Search; Eastlake (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajulia Executive Search is seeking a hands-on Paint Department Supervisor to lead, train, coach, and develop personnel while overseeing surface preparation, masking, wet paint application, and powder coating to meet customer specs and quality standards.

You will review daily production requirements, manage workflow, troubleshoot process issues, maintain safety and regulatory compliance, and collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Production to drive Lean improvements.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of industrial painting experience.
• 3+ years in supervisory or department lead role in paint/finishing.
• Experience with wet paint and powder coating.
• Experience in high-specification coating environments (aerospace, military, medical).
• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and manufacturing safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, train, coach, and develop Paint Department personnel while serving as a hands-on working leader.
• Perform paint department functions as needed, including surface preparation, masking, demasking, inspection, wet paint application, powder coating, and related finishing processes.
• Ensure parts are processed according to customer specifications, work instructions, procedures, and quality standards.
• Review daily production requirements, manage departmental workflow, and support production schedules.
• Troubleshoot paint application, coating, equipment, and process-related issues.
• Ensure required documentation, certifications, and production records are accurately completed.
• Support department performance indicators, including Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
• Maintain compliance with customer requirements, internal procedures, OSHA regulations, EPA requirements, and manufacturing safety standards.
• Maintain paint equipment, spray booths, tools, and department work areas.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and employee development.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Production teams to meet customer and manufacturing requirements.
• Promote continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives within the department.
• Support overtime and changing production demands as required.
• Perform physical activities including standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, and lifting up to 25 lbs. regularly and up to 50 lbs. as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Quality Awareness

Safety Compliance

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

The ideal candidate will have an ability to create and maintain an efficient system of operation to support the business needs. The candidate should be comfortable multitasking and working cross-functionally with different business units. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in related fields.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, supervise, train, coach, and develop Paint Department personnel while serving as a hands--on working leader.
• Perform paint department functions as needed, including surface preparation, masking, demasking, inspection, wet paint application, powder coating, and related finishing processes.
• Ensure parts are processed according to customer specifications, work instructions, procedures, and quality standards.
• Review daily production requirements, manage departmental workflow, and support production schedules.
• Troubleshoot paint application, coating, equipment, and process-related issues.
• Ensure required documentation, certifications, and production records are accurately completed.
• Support department performance indicators, including Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
• Maintain compliance with customer requirements, internal procedures, OSHA regulations, EPA requirements, and manufacturing safety standards.
• Maintain paint equipment, spray booths, tools, and department work areas.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and employee development.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Production teams to meet customer and manufacturing requirements.
• Promote continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives within the department.
• Support overtime and changing production demands as required.
• Perform physical activities including standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching, and lifting up to 25 lbs. regularly and up to 50 lbs. as needed.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years of industrial painting experience.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory, leadership, or department lead experience in a paint or finishing environment.
• Extensive experience with wet paint and powder coating applications.
• Experience in aerospace, military, medical, commercial, or other high-specification coating environments.
• Strong knowledge of surface preparation and finishing processes, including masking, sanding, inspection, and bodywork principles.
• Ability to train and develop employees across all Paint Department operations.
• Working knowledge of paint inspection processes, coating quality standards, and customer specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, procedures, and work instructions.
• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and manufacturing safety requirements.
• Strong communication, leadership, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Preferred: NADCAP experience, aerospace and defense experience, employee training program development, and Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience