CRM Director of Operations

Director of Operations – Industrial Painting & Blasting

Position Overview

The Director of Operations oversees all day‑to‑day operational activities for an industrial painting and blasting company, ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently, profitably, and to the highest quality standards. This leader drives operational strategy, manages field teams, strengthens client relationships, and ensures compliance with industry regulations and company policies. The role requires deep knowledge of industrial coatings, surface preparation, blasting methods, equipment, and jobsite logistics.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operations across field crews and project management teams.
• Oversees Project Managers and project tracking.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve productivity, reduce waste, and increase profitability.
• Ensure all projects meet schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Lead resource planning, including manpower allocation, equipment utilization, and subcontractor coordination.

Project & Production Management

• Review project scopes, specifications, drawings, and coating system requirements.
• Support project managers with planning, scheduling, and problem‑solving.
• Monitor job progress and proactively address delays, safety concerns, or quality issues.
• Ensure proper documentation, including daily reports, QA/QC records, and change orders.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture across all operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, SSPC/NACE/AMPP standards, environmental regulations, and company safety policies.
• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and safety reviews.
• Oversee training programs for blasting, painting, equipment operation, and hazard awareness.

Quality Assurance

• Maintain rigorous quality control processes for surface preparation, coating application, curing, and inspection.
• Ensure all work meets client specifications, industry standards, and manufacturer requirements.
• Oversee coating inspections, testing, and documentation.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor supervisors, foremen, project managers, and shop leads.
• Recruit, train, and retain skilled blasting and painting personnel.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Financial & Business Performance

• Develop and manage operational budgets, labor forecasting, and cost‑control strategies.
• Analyze job costing, productivity metrics, and operational KPIs.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on pricing, bidding strategies, and long‑term planning.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and margin improvement.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as a primary operational point of contact for key clients.
• Support business development by providing technical expertise during estimating and proposal phases.
• Build strong relationships with vendors, inspectors, general contractors, and partners.

Qualifications

Required

• 5 years of experience in industrial painting, blasting, coatings, or related heavy‑industrial trades.
• 3 years in an operations leadership or senior project management role.
• Strong knowledge of SSPC/NACE/AMPP standards, coating systems, and surface preparation methods.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, teams, and deadlines.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budgets, job costing, and operational KPIs.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred

• CIP 1 certification.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Projects consistently delivered on time, on budget, and with exceptional quality.
• A safe, disciplined, and motivated workforce.
• Strong operational systems that scale with company growth.
• Improved profitability through efficiency and strategic planning.
• High client satisfaction and repeat business.