Spray Painting Department Manager

Job Description

• A leading design-led manufacturing company is looking for an experienced Spray Painting Department Manager with strong experience in industrial spray painting operations, surface finishing processes, production management, quality control, and team leadership to join their team in Cape Town.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and optimising the daily operations of a busy spray painting department, ensuring products meet stringent quality standards, production targets are achieved, and all activities comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations. This role will oversee a team of more than 17 direct reports and requires a hands-on leader with strong technical expertise in coating processes, workflow optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and motivate a team of 17+ spray painters and paint mixers across multiple shifts.
• Plan and allocate daily production activities to meet delivery deadlines and optimise throughput.
• Supervise the operation, maintenance, and calibration of spray guns, booths, mixing equipment, and drying ovens.
• Monitor and control inventory levels of paints, solvents, thinners, consumables, and PPE.
• Track and improve key performance indicators, including output, labour efficiency, downtime, and scrap rates.
• Ensure accurate real-time production data capture within the ERP system.
• Implement Lean manufacturing and 5S principles to improve operational efficiency and reduce waste.
• Inspect finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards and coating specifications.
• Oversee colour matching, paint mixing, thinning processes, and coating viscosity requirements.
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve coating defects, equipment issues, and production challenges.
• Enforce compliance with health, safety, environmental, and hazardous waste management regulations.
• Maintain accurate records relating to chemical usage, emissions, and safety audits.
• Develop team capability through training, performance management, and cross-skilling initiatives.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performance workshop culture.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a supervisory or managerial spray painting role.
• Proven experience managing teams within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery, high-end furniture manufacturing, or a similar industry is highly advantageous.
• Engineering Diploma (Chemical or Industrial) is essential and non-negotiable.
• Industrial technical certification in surface coating technology or a relevant trade test is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of industrial spray painting processes, coating systems, and surface finishing techniques.
• Experience with production planning, inventory management, and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and 5S methodologies.
• Strong leadership, conflict resolution, organisational, and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail with a keen eye for colour variance and surface quality.
• Ability to work effectively in an industrial environment with exposure to chemicals, dust, and noise.