Paint Shop Manager

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all paint shop activities, staff, quality standards, and workflow to ensure efficient production and high-quality finishing of trailers and related components. The role requires strong leadership, planning, quality control, and knowledge of industrial paint processes within a heavy engineering or manufacturing environment.

Experience & Qualifications

• ±10 years’ experience in a heavy engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience in a paint shop management role within trailer manufacturing, steel fabrication, or similar industries.
• Commercial trailer industry experience will be highly advantageous.
• Knowledge of industrial paint systems, surface preparation, coatings, and finishing processes.
• Understanding of steel fabrication and welding processes advantageous.
• Relevant technical qualifications or certifications advantageous.
• Knowledge of SHEQ standards and workplace safety requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Additional responsibilities may be added as required.
• Manage all paint shop activities and staff.
• Plan and coordinate daily production and paint schedules.
• Ensure all trailers and components are prepared and painted according to quality standards and specifications.
• Oversee surface preparation, sanding, masking, priming, and final coating processes.
• Monitor paint quality, thickness, finish quality, and curing processes.
• Ensure adherence to SHEQ policies and safety procedures.
• Minimize waste, rework, inefficiencies, and material losses.
• Manage paint stock, consumables, and small stores related to the paint department.
• Control and monitor equipment usage and maintenance.
• Capture and report daily production metrics and departmental performance.
• Liaise with production, fabrication, and other departments to ensure smooth workflow and on-time completion.
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality and customer standards are met.
• Identify operational problems and implement preventative and corrective actions.
• Report directly to the Production Manager.

Qualities & Skills

• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Strong people management and staff supervision abilities.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong attention to detail and quality control.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Results-driven and highly organized.
• Ability to build good working relationships across departments.
• Knowledge of industrial painting equipment and related processes.
• Proficient in MS Office advantageous.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflow and production environments.