Paint Shop Lead

NOW HIRING: PAINT SHOP LEAD

Skilled Trades Services | Temp-to-Hire Opportunity

Pay: Competitive – Based on Experience (DOE)

Employment Type: Full-Time | Temp-to-Hire
Schedule: Day Shift | Overtime and Shift Flexibility Required

Position Overview

Skilled Trades Services is seeking an experienced Paint Shop Lead for a hands-on leadership position with an established company specializing in high-quality custom fabrication and finishing.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automotive-style painting, surface preparation, and finishing techniques, along with the leadership skills to help supervise, train, and direct a team of approximately 8–10 paint shop employees.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled painter ready to take the next step into a leadership role while remaining actively involved in production.

Key Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Paint Foreman to coordinate daily paint shop operations, workflow, and production schedules.
• Lead and supervise a team of approximately 8–10 employees.
• Assume responsibility for paint shop operations when the Paint Foreman is traveling or unavailable.
• Perform hands-on surface preparation, painting, and finishing work.
• Prepare surfaces through sanding, taping, masking, filling, mudding, and bodywork.
• Properly mix and apply paints, epoxies, primers, Bondo, and other finishing materials.
• Operate spray equipment to deliver high-quality professional finishes.
• Train, mentor, and provide direction to paint shop employees.
• Monitor workmanship, quality standards, safety procedures, and production efficiency.
• Assist with troubleshooting paint defects and correcting surface imperfections.
• Potentially travel to trade shows or off-site projects after completing company-specific training.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience in automotive, industrial, or custom fabrication painting.
• Strong knowledge of automotive body preparation, repair, and finishing techniques.
• Proficiency in sanding, masking, taping, filling, Bondo application, epoxy mixing, and spray painting.
• Ability to mix paints accurately and operate professional spray equipment.
• Previous lead, supervisory, or team-training experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to delegate assignments, provide clear instructions, and hold team members accountable.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing exceptional finishes.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions in the Paint Foreman's absence.
• Willingness to work overtime as production demands require.
• Flexibility to supervise a temporary second/night shift when needed, typically for several weeks at a time.
• Willingness to travel occasionally if assigned to off-site projects or shows.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay is based on experience and demonstrated leadership capabilities.

This is a temp-to-hire opportunity offering long-term career potential.

Upon successful transition to permanent employment, the company offers an exceptional benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive employee benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for more than just a great painter. We need a working leader who can produce exceptional results, train others, manage daily operations, and keep the department running smoothly.

If you're an experienced automotive or industrial painter with strong leadership abilities and are ready for a long-term career opportunity, we want to hear from you!

Apply today through Skilled Trades Services!