Powdercoat Lead 1st shift

PTMW; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PTMW Inc. in Topeka, KS seeks a Powder Coat Lead to guide a coating team, ensure safe, efficient production and high-quality finishes.

You will oversee daily operations and act as the primary bridge between team members and management. The role emphasizes continuous improvement, coaching and on-the-job training, while maintaining documentation, quality standards and safety compliance to foster a credible, accountable, high-performing work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading powder coating operations or teams.
• Strong knowledge of coating processes, equipment, and QC standards.
• Ability to train and mentor new staff and maintain safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily powder coating operations, ensuring safe, timely, and accurate completion.
• Organize, delegate, and oversee tasks to maintain efficient workflow and productivity.
• Ensure proper setup, operation, and maintenance of coating equipment and work areas.
• Verify parts meet coating thickness specs before/after curing.
• Monitor material usage and ensure labeling matches job requirements.
• Complete and verify required documentation (work orders, etc.).
• Maintain wash bay chemical levels, pH, and water quality; manage wastewater systems.
• Monitor GSS system for accurate job clocking and daily labor balancing.
• Lead shift start-ups/shutdowns, including cleanliness checks and tool accountability.
• Provide on-the-job training and orientation for new staff.

Skills

Powder coating leadership

Team coaching

Quality standards

Safety compliance

Tools

Mil thickness gauges

GSS labor tracking

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: PTMW Inc - Topeka, KS 66618

Education Level: Not Specified

Job Summary: The Powder Coat Lead is responsible for leading a powder coating team to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role oversees daily operations, supports continuous improvement, and acts as the primary point of contact between team members and management. The Lead ensures adherence to quality, safety, and production standards while fostering a positive, accountable, and high-performing work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily powder coating operations, ensuring all jobs are completed safely, accurately, and on time.
• Organize, delegate, and oversee tasks to maintain efficient workflow and team productivity.
• Ensure proper setup, operation, and maintenance of powder coating equipment and work areas.
• Verify all parts meet quality and coating thickness specifications before and after curing.
• Monitor powder material usage and ensure powder in pots matches labeling and job requirements.
• Ensure all required documentation (e.g., work orders, travel docs, shutdown cleaning charts) is completed and accurate.
• Maintain oversight of chemical levels, pH, and water quality in the wash bay; ensure proper operation of wastewater systems.
• Monitor GSS system for accurate job clocking and daily balancing of labor hours; address discrepancies promptly.
• Lead shift start-ups and shutdowns, including cleanliness checks and tool accountability.
• Conduct visual inspections and verify that rework is identified, communicated, and resolved promptly.
• Provide on-the-job training and orientation for new team members, ensuring consistent understanding of procedures, quality expectations, and safety practices.
• Offer coaching and corrective feedback as needed to reinforce training and continuous improvement.
• Monitor team members’ work habits, attendance, and adherence to safety policies.
• Coordinate with the Manager to address production issues, training needs, or quality concerns.

Expectations:

• Proactively lead by example with professionalism, accountability, and a quality-driven mindset.
• Ensure team alignment with company standards, SOPs, and first-shift training protocols.
• Promote and foster a culture of credibility, accountability, leadership, and fairness.
• Train and mentor new employees to ensure a consistent, effective onboarding process.
• Confirm daily goals are being met; communicate any challenges to the Manager.
• Accurately monitor GSS job clocking and balance daily hours across tasks to ensure labor tracking integrity.
• Verify tools, powder pots, and equipment are properly labeled and maintained.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Ensure clear communication between shifts and across departments.

Required Qualifications:

• Prior experience in powder coating with leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of powder coating processes, equipment, and quality standards.
• Ability to coach, train, and lead a team effectively.
• Capable of lifting up to 100 lbs and working on your feet for extended periods.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, physical capacity test, and breath alcohol test.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of chemical pretreatment and wastewater system management.
• Familiarity with inspection tools (e.g., mil thickness gauges).
• Experience using GSS or similar labor tracking/job costing systems.
• Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.