Paint Manager - Aluminum Wheel Manufacturing

Paint Manager – Aluminum Wheel Manufacturing

Join the founding team of Pro Performance Wheels as we launch a new aluminum wheel manufacturing operation backed by a company with more than 25 years of success.

As a Paint Manager, you'll lead the development and day-to-day operation of our paint department while helping build a new manufacturing operation from the ground up.

About Us

Our parent company has been in business for more than 25 years and is launching Pro Performance Wheels, a new aluminum wheel manufacturing operation. We're building our leadership team and looking for professionals who take pride in quality work, value teamwork, and want to grow with us from the very beginning.

What You'll Do

As a Paint Manager, you will lead paint and coating operations for our aluminum wheel manufacturing facility. This role combines technical expertise, leadership, and continuous improvement to ensure outstanding product quality, efficient manufacturing processes, and a safe, high-performing work environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading daily paint department operations, including planning, scheduling, staffing, and workflo
• Overseeing paint and coating processes, including surface preparation, pretreatment, powder coating, liquid coating, masking, curing, and finishing
• Monitoring product quality and troubleshooting coating defects to ensure consistent, high-quality results
• Identifying process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall manufacturing performance
• Developing, maintaining, and improving paint department procedures and operating standards
• Supporting specialty finishing processes, including laser etching, pad printing, and decorative finishes
• Training, mentoring, and coaching paint department team members while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Collaborating with production, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams to support manufacturing goals
• Evaluating and implementing new coating technologies, materials, and finishing processes
• Ensuring compliance with company safety procedures and environmental requirements related to paint operations

What Makes Someone Successful Here

We're looking for someone who:

• Leads by example and communicates effectively across departments
• Enjoys solving manufacturing challenges and continuously improving processes
• Coaches and mentors team members while creating a positive, safety-focused work environment
• Works collaboratively to achieve shared production and quality goals
• Takes pride in delivering consistent, high-quality finished products

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in automotive, wheel manufacturing, paint and coating operations, metal finishing, or a closely related manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated leadership experience in paint operations, manufacturing, process engineering, or a related production environment
• Strong knowledge of industrial paint and coating processes, including surface preparation, pretreatment, powder coating, liquid coating, and curing
• Experience troubleshooting paint and coating process issues in a manufacturing environment
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aluminum wheel manufacturing or automotive finishing operations
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
• Experience with automated or robotic paint systems
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience supporting new product launches, process development, or coating technology improvements

Schedule & Environment

• Full-time leadership position
• Onsite at our Bedford Heights manufacturing facility
• Manufacturing environment involving industrial paint systems, production equipment, PPE, and strict quality standards
• Responsible for promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with company safety and environmental procedures

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Retirement plan

If you take pride in technical excellence, quality work, and helping to build something new within an established company, we encourage you to apply.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit both your résumé and a cover letter to hr@properformancewheels.com. Questions about the position may also be directed to this email address.