Paint Operations Leader

Airport Placements; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company based in Glasgow is seeking a Paint Operations Leader to oversee and manage paint processes for high-specification technical components. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in paint operations, team leadership skills, and a focus on quality and safety. Responsibilities include managing daily operations, ensuring compliance with customer specifications, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. This role offers a competitive salary ranging from £57,000 to £60,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a paint operations environment (industrial, aerospace, automotive, or similar high-spec manufacturing).
• Previous experience leading or supervising a small production team.
• Experience working with Tier 1 OEM customers or within regulated manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and motivate a small paint operations team.
• Plan and prioritise work to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Ensure paint processes are executed consistently to specification.

Skills

Strong hands-on painting and surface finishing capability

Good communication and leadership skills

Strong attention to detail

Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies

Education

Formal qualification or certification in coating, surface finishing, or manufacturing supervision

Job description

Paint Operations Leader

Job Reference: WPOpLead

Aerospace Glasgow, Glasgow

£57,000 - £60,000 per annum

Permanent

Overview

Our ideal candidate for Operations Leader will lead and actively participate in the coating and finishing of high‑specification technical components supplied to Tier 1 OEM customers. Accountable for daily paint operations, quality, safety, delivery, and continuous improvement within the paint function.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and motivate a small paint operations team, remaining hands‑on in daily activities
• Plan and prioritise work to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements
• Ensure paint processes are executed consistently to specification and documented standards
• Actively perform surface preparation, masking, coating, curing, and inspection activities as required
• Set up, operate, and maintain paint equipment, booths, and curing ovens
• Troubleshoot paint defects and process issues, implementing corrective actions
• Ensure all work meets internal quality standards and customer specifications expected by Tier 1 OEMs
• Maintain process control documentation, work instructions, and inspection records
• Support internal and external audits and ensure compliance with relevant industry and regulatory requirements
• Enforce safe working practices and ensure compliance with HSE requirements
• Manage COSHH, paint storage, waste handling, and environmental controls within the paint area
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, cost, and flow within paint operations
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a paint operations environment (industrial, aerospace, automotive, or similar high‑spec manufacturing)
• Strong hands‑on painting and surface finishing capability
• Previous experience leading or supervising a small production team
• Understanding of quality‑critical manufacturing and customer specifications
• Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship
• Experience working with Tier 1 OEM customers or within regulated manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience with audits and quality management systems
• Formal qualification or certification in coating, surface finishing, or manufacturing supervision
• Good communication and leadership skills
• Assist in training and developing team members to improve capability and resilience