Manager, Powder Coat

Level: M2

Role Summary

The Powder Coating Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of both people and machinery within our Automated Powder Coating system, efficiency of operations, and quality control of finished components. This role ensures the team adheres to the established standards and processes, delivering high-quality finished products that meet rigorous specifications. The Manager will focus on developing a team of technicians/ team lead and resolving operational issues specific to the powder coat line. The Manager will work closely with Engineering and the Director of Manufacturing to measure quality, cost savings, inventory reduction and improved life of our products.

Key Responsibilities

• Fully develop procedures and schedules to efficiently operate and maintain our powder system. This includes trouble shooting, chemical management, discharge monitoring, maintenance and improvements to ensure high-quality, uniform output, ensuring correct powder thickness and long lasting durable finish.
• Manage a team of multilevel Technicians, man hours, PTO, providing clear task assignments, workload distribution, and resource management.
• Provide daily coaching, Weekly 1 on 1’s, performance feedback, and technical guidance to team members, focusing on improving process execution and individual skills.
• Foster a culture of safety and quality by ensuring strict adherence to all company safety protocols, PPE requirements, and cleanliness standards.
• Oversee the entire end-to-end powder coating process from surface preparation to powder application, curing, final inspection and material movements in our ERP.
• Works with Powder and Equipment vendors on quality issues and to keep powder operations running smoothly.
• Develop Iso Standards and documentation
• Ensure process adherence by establishing standards and documentation (Standard Operating Procedures/SOPs) for key tasks, including surface prep techniques and equipment operation.
• Meet short-term goals and deadlines, translating broader directives into actionable tasks for the team.
• Manage operational complexities inherent within the team, including issues related to resource allocation, task scheduling, and moderate to highly complex technical or process-related issues.
• Lead the resolution of quality defects identified during the detailed visual and tactile inspection process, developing countermeasures to prevent recurrence. Manages Corrective Action Reports tied to our ISO Quality Policies.
• Oversee routine maintenance schedules for all wash and coating equipment and act as the primary point of contact for troubleshooting and reporting major equipment malfunctions.
• Ensure accurate work order and inventory tracking is performed by the team within the ERP/inventory system.
• Report on team progress, quality metrics, and performance to leadership, ensuring alignment with functional objectives.
  
  

Qualifications

• 3 years of direct experience managing industrial/automated powder coating operations.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical pretreatment, electrostatic application, and curing processes.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex powder coating defects and equipment issues.
• years of supervisory experience managing technical teams in a production environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop SOPs, mentor staff, and manage scheduling/workload.
• Strong commitment to maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• Proficiency with ERP/inventory systems for work order and material tracking.
• Experience collaborating with vendors and Engineering on process improvements.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, frequently lift and move up to 50 lbs, and work with necessary PPE in a manufacturing environment.