Powder Coating Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY

The Powder Coat Line Lead is responsible for leading daily activities within the powder coating operation to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role coordinates personnel, equipment, materials, and workflow throughout the pretreatment, coating, curing, inspection, and packaging processes. The Powder Coat Line Lead serves as the primary technical resource for coating operations while ensuring delivery, quality, productivity, and safety objectives are achieved.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and direct daily activities of powder coat line personnel.
• Assign work assignments and establish production priorities.
• Train, mentor, and develop team members on standard work, quality requirements, and safety procedures.
• Monitor attendance, productivity, and employee performance.
• Assist with onboarding and cross-training initiatives.
• Promote a positive and accountable work environment.

Production Management

• Coordinate workflow to support production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Monitor line throughput and identify bottlenecks impacting production.
• Ensure proper staffing and resource allocation throughout the shift.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost reduction.
• Maintain accurate production and downtime records.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all customer and internal coating specifications are followed.
• Verify proper coating thickness, adhesion, color, gloss, and finish requirements.
• Conduct first-piece, in-process, and final inspections.
• Lead containment and corrective action activities related to coating defects.
• Drive first-pass yield improvements and reduction of rework and scrap.

Equipment & Process Control

• Monitor performance of wash systems, ovens, spray booths, conveyor systems, and application equipment.
• Verify pretreatment chemistry and operating parameters remain within established limits.
• Coordinate routine preventive maintenance activities.
• Troubleshoot coating process issues and escalate equipment concerns when necessary.
• Assist with implementation of process improvements and new product introductions.

Inventory & Material Management

• Monitor powder inventory and consumable supplies.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and color-change procedures.
• Coordinate material replenishment with purchasing and inventory personnel.
• Minimize powder waste and improve material utilization.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Promote compliance with all safety regulations and company policies.
• Conduct routine safety observations and corrective actions.
• Ensure proper use of PPE and chemical handling procedures.
• Maintain 5S standards and overall department organization.

Experience Required

• Minimum 3 years of powder coating, paint line, or industrial finishing experience.
• Minimum 1 year of leadership, lead, or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of powder coating application techniques and curing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret production documentation, drawings, and work instructions.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Technical training in manufacturing, coatings, or industrial finishing.
• Knowledge of pretreatment chemistry and coating performance testing.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.
• Forklift experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk the duration of shift, 8-10 hours.
• Frequently lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, noise, and industrial chemicals.
• Ability to wear required PPE including respirators when necessary.

Due to ITAR regulations, only U.S. persons—defined as U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and U.S. nationals—are eligible for this position.

*We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Applicants can learn more about Prince's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster (https://www.eeoc.gov/employers)