Paint Operations Manager

Role Summary

Responsible for overseeing all paint line operations, ensuring efficient production, quality output, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across personnel, equipment, materials, and processes.

Core Competencies

• Establish operational protocols for paint line processing, including personnel management, equipment oversight, and process control systems.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant work environment aligned with OSHA, MIOSHA, and environmental regulations.

• Manage daily paint line and paint kitchen activities according to production schedules, customer requirements, and quality standards.

• Hire, train, mentor, evaluate, and develop paint line personnel, including supervisors, painters, and mixing room staff.

• Track and report operational metrics; drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Participate in or delegate attendance for meetings requiring paint line expertise.

• Establish procedures for incoming paint materials; verify coating properties and perform batch checks.

• Develop and maintain mixing instructions for all coatings used in samples, production, and service work.

• Maintain accurate records of paint usage, mix ratios, and material documentation.

• Forecast and order paint line supplies including coatings, solvents, catalysts, filters, and related materials.

• Identify process issues, application challenges, and equipment concerns; implement corrective actions to improve yield and productivity.

• Ensure compliance with DEQ and EPA requirements for recordkeeping, emissions, labeling, storage, inspections, and waste disposal.

• Develop knowledge of solvents and optimize coating performance within the paint line.

• Conduct Layered Process Audits as required.

• Manage multiple projects and prioritize objectives effectively.

• Inspect painted parts (cured and uncured) for quality concerns and communicate findings to leadership.

Safety & Compliance Responsibilities

• Understand and support Quality and Environmental Management Systems.

• Enforce safety protocols and identify opportunities for safety improvements.

• Maintain an organized and compliant work environment.

• Ensure adherence to all company policies and procedures.

Operational & Business Control

• Manage paint application quality and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.

• Build business cases for new equipment and integrate new and existing systems to support operational efficiency.

• Develop project workflows and collaborate with internal departments to meet timelines, quality standards, safety requirements, and budget expectations.

• Track improvements in productivity, cost, delivery, quality, and safety.

• Identify coating and design issues; implement accurate, cost‑effective solutions.

• Ensure product testing meets customer specifications.

• Adapt project planning to available workspace, facility constraints, and equipment.

• Establish and benchmark performance metrics for improvement analysis.

• Develop systems and controls to enhance efficiency and productivity.

• Improve paint fluid delivery systems and optimize material efficiency.

• Provide technical support to internal stakeholders.

• Perform additional tasks as needed and demonstrate willingness to assume new responsibilities.

• Identify operational problems and initiate corrective actions.

Customer & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with other departments to ensure quality production and customer satisfaction.

• Collaborate to develop and update coating process parameters and communicate formula changes to relevant personnel.

• Communicate professionally with customers regarding testing, appearance, and lab‑related topics.

Physical Demands

Constant (67–100%)

• Standing and walking on cement floors for 8+ hours.

• Twisting, bending, squatting, and reaching at multiple levels.

• Detecting defects through touch.

• Visual clarity at distances up to 20 feet and close range.

• Color perception and gloss evaluation.

• Ability to be medically certified to wear an air‑purifying respirator.

• Oral and auditory communication, including alarms and PA systems.

Frequent (34–66%)

• Lifting up to 60 lbs to heights of 60 inches.

• Carrying up to 60 lbs for distances up to 20 feet.

• Pushing/pulling up to 15 lbs of force.

Occasional (1–33%)

• Sitting for periods ranging from 5 minutes to 2 hours.

Environmental Conditions

• Exposure to both non‑hazardous and hazardous noise (with hearing protection).

• Work around machinery and automated equipment.

• Exposure to high‑intensity lighting and non‑hazardous electrical sources.

• Paint and solvent vapors requiring respiratory protection.

• Temperatures above 80°F and high humidity during summer months.