Paint Operations Leader
Glasgow
Circa £57,000
Monday-Friday | 37 hours per week
First Achieve Engineering are working in partnership with a highly regarded manufacturing business in Glasgow to recruit an experienced Paint Operations Leader.
This opportunity would suit an experienced paint professional who enjoys leading from the front, maintaining exacting quality standards, and driving continuous improvement while remaining actively involved in day-to-day operations.
The Role
Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will take full accountability for paint and finishing operations, covering safety, quality, delivery, and team leadership.
You will remain hands-on while leading a small team, ensuring processes are consistently delivered to specification and customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Lead, supervise, and motivate a small paint operations team
Plan and prioritise work to meet production schedules and delivery targets
Ensure paint processes are followed to documented standards
Hands-On Paint Operations
Carry out surface preparation, masking, coating, curing, and inspection as required
Set up, operate, and maintain paint booths, equipment, and curing ovens
Diagnose and resolve paint defects and process issues
Quality & Compliance
Ensure all work meets internal quality standards and Tier 1 OEM specifications
Maintain process documentation, work instructions, and inspection records
Support internal and external audits
Health, Safety & Environment
Enforce safe working practices and HSE compliance
Manage COSHH, paint storage, waste handling, and environmental controls
About You
Essential
Proven experience in an industrial paint operations environment
Strong hands-on coating and surface finishing capability
Previous experience leading or supervising a small production team
Understanding of quality-critical manufacturing environments
High attention to detail and pride in workmanship
Strong communication and leadership skills
Desirable
Experience working with Tier 1 OEM customers
Knowledge of lean manufacturing or CI methodologies
Audit and quality management system experience
Relevant technical or supervisory qualifications
Personal Attributes
Hands-on, lead-by-example approach
Calm, organised, and solutions-focused
High standards and strong quality mindset
Professional, discreet, and trustworthy
What's on Offer
Circa £57,000 salary
Stable Monday-Friday working pattern
Opportunity to play a pivotal role in a high-quality manufacturing operation
Long-term career opportunity with a well-established business