Paint Manager

Maintainer Corp of Iowa•Sheldon, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for the overall leadership, operations, personnel, workflow, quality, safety, scheduling, and continuous improvement activities of the Paint Department at Maintainer Corporation of Iowa. Oversees all paint processes involved in the production of custom-built heavy-duty service truck bodies, lube bodies, and extendable boom cranes across four primary work areas: Paint Prep (Clean), Paint Booth, Paint Final/Repair, and Undercoating/Durabed. Provides leadership and direction to all Paint Department personnel, maintaining focus on organizational goals, production schedules, customer quality standards, and employee development. Responsible for building a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and pride in craftsmanship consistent with Maintainer’s commitment to quality.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Minimum of 4–5 years of experience in an industrial paint, surface finishing, or manufacturing environment required.
Minimum of 2–3 years in a supervisory, lead, or management role required.
In-depth knowledge of industrial paint application, surface preparation, masking, priming, undercoating, and Durabed application processes.
Strong understanding of paint quality standards, defect identification, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
Ability to read, interpret, and communicate blueprints, shop drawings, work orders, and technical specifications.
Ability to calculate figures including ratios, percentages, proportions, area, and volume as related to paint mixing, coverage, and production.
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, motivate, and develop teams at multiple skill levels in a manufacturing environment.
Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to present information in one-on-one and group settings.
Proficiency with basic computer applications including Microsoft Office or equivalent tools.
Familiarity with OSHA safety regulations, environmental compliance, and PPE requirements for paint and finishing operations.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to walk, crouch, kneel, sit, and work in varied positions as required by custom manufacturing.
Specific vision abilities required including close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

associate’s degree or technical training in a related field preferred.
Hands-on experience across paint prep, booth operations, final paint/repair, and undercoating/Durabed processes strongly preferred.
Experience in custom or heavy-duty truck body, crane, or vocational equipment manufacturing a plus.
Knowledge of continuous improvement principles (5S, Lean, or similar) preferred.
Forklift operator’s license and overhead crane/hoist certification preferred or ability to obtain upon hire.

Responsibilities

Manages all day-to-day operations within the Paint Department, including workflow across Paint Prep (Clean), Paint Booth, Paint Final/Repair, and Undercoating/Durabed.
Coordinates production activities to ensure manufacturing schedules, customer delivery deadlines, and quality expectations are consistently met.
Oversees all paint processes from surface preparation, masking, priming, and booth painting through curing, Durabed/undercoating application, final inspection, touch-up, and rework.
Monitors and enforces paint quality standards ensuring all finished truck bodies, lube bodies, crane parts, and IPOs meet Maintainer’s standards and customer specifications.
Investigates and resolves paint defects, surface preparation failures, process inefficiencies, rework trends, and quality concerns.
Supervises and provides leadership to all Paint Department personnel; supports leads and specialists in coordinating daily workflow and production planning within the work cells.
Responsible for employee training, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and development at all levels of the Paint Department.
Assists with interviewing and hiring recommendations, disciplinary actions, attendance management, performance evaluations, and employee development plans.
Promotes a culture of doing it right the first time, passing on work of the highest quality, and supporting coworkers in solving problems.
Interprets and communicates blueprints, shop drawings, work orders, and product specifications to ensure compliance with customer and company standards.
Promotes and enforces all company safety policies, environmental regulations, housekeeping standards, and PPE requirements specific to paint and finishing operations.
Oversees departmental inventory including paints, primers, undercoating materials, Durabed product, consumables, masking materials, tooling, and safety supplies.
Ensures all Paint Department equipment is properly maintained and operational, including spray equipment, booths, curing systems, and undercoating/Durabed application equipment.
Monitors productivity metrics including labor efficiency, throughput, rework rates, downtime, and quality performance across all work areas.
Develops and maintains departmental procedures, process improvements, and best practices across all four paint work areas.
Participates in and leads continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and employee engagement.
Works closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Scheduling departments to support operational goals and resolve manufacturing concerns.
Maintains accurate production, labor, inventory, quality, and rework records as required.
Demonstrates leadership by example, promoting professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and respect throughout the department.
Follows all organizational and departmental procedures, safety policies, and directions as outlined in the Maintainer Employee Handbook and Maintainer Quality Manual.
Performs other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned by management.