Job Description

• Supervise daily powder coat and finishing line operations, including pre-treatment, masking, racking, powder application, curing, post-processing, touch-up, and silkscreen, to meet shift safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets.
• Directly supervise Area Leads and operators; lead daily start-of-shift huddles at the line to review safety, priorities, and quality issues, and escalate constraints that cannot be resolved on the floor.
• Assign shop orders and operator tasks based on the production schedule; sequence work to minimize color changes and line downtime, and coordinate schedule changes with Master Scheduling and the Plant Manager.
• Manage shift staffing, attendance, timekeeping, and overtime; provide day-to-day performance feedback and partner with Human Resources on employee relations and corrective actions.
• Train, coach, and cross-train leads and operators on safety protocols, work instructions, ERP transactions, equipment operation, and finish inspection methods; ensure training records are current.
• Ensure process-monitoring checks are completed at required intervals, including pre-treatment chemistry and titration, oven cure temperatures and profiles, and booth and gun settings; document corrective actions for near-limit or out-of-limit conditions.
• Ensure in-process and final finish inspections (e.g., film thickness, adhesion, gloss, color match, and appearance) are performed and recorded per specification; segregate suspect product and work with Quality on disposition.
• Initiate and address nonconformance reports (NCRs) in a timely manner, including rework processing and root cause investigation with Quality and Engineering to prevent recurrence.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs with Maintenance, and ensure operators complete daily equipment checks, booth and filter cleaning, and housekeeping.
• Enforce safe work practices for powder coating operations, including PPE, lockout/tagout, combustible dust housekeeping, chemical handling, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements; report and investigate incidents and near misses.
• Track and report daily line metrics (safety, quality, output, and on-time delivery) and communicate results and issues to the Plant Manager.
• Monitor inventory of powders, pre-treatment chemicals, hooks, plugs, masking materials, and department consumables, partnering with Purchasing to prevent shortages.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement activities (5S, Kaizen, standard work) in the paint line and silkscreen areas to reduce waste, rework, and changeover time.
• Support Engineering, Quality, and Program Management on new part introductions, first article runs, and finish specification requirements.

Education  

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate degree or technical certificate in manufacturing, industrial technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered

Experience and/or Training

• 3+ years of hands-on powder coating or industrial finishing experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role directing direct labor employees, preferably in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of powder coating processes, including pre-treatment chemistry and titration, application equipment, cure cycles, finish quality standards, and troubleshooting of finish defects.
• Experience executing production schedules and tracking work orders, materials, and inventory in an ERP system.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, finish specifications, product routings, bills of materials, and work instructions.
• Proficient with hand tools, power tools, and finish inspection and measurement instruments such as film thickness gauges.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements for finishing operations, including combustible dust, chemical handling, PPE, and lockout/tagout.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 Quality System requirements; knowledge of FDA regulations preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with clear verbal and written communication.
• Experience with lean manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen); Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt preferred.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Frequent prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing stairs; frequent use of hands to handle, touch, or operate objects, tools, and controls; occasional lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Vision sufficient to review data and inspect finish quality, with accurate color perception required.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including respiratory protection where required.
• Ability to hear, read, count, and perform basic math with strong comprehension and communication skills.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to give and receive instructions and feedback in a positive, constructive manner.
• Resilience, flexibility, and adaptability in a dynamic production setting, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

Work Environment