Paint Operations Leader

Paint Operations Leader @ Walker Group

Walker Group provides advanced high‑precision manufacturing services from centres of excellence located in the UK and Poland. We have an exciting opportunity to join our team in Glasgow as a Paint Operations Leader.

We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Paint Operations Leader to lead and actively participate in the coating and finishing of high‑specification technical components supplied to Tier 1 OEM customers.

This role is suited to a practical leader who enjoys being on the shop floor, setting standards through example, and leading a small skilled team in a quality‑critical, regulated manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will be accountable for daily paint operations, quality, safety, delivery, and continuous improvement within the paint function.

Operational Leadership

• 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

Hands‑On Paint Operations

• 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

Quality & Compliance

• 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

Health, Safety & Environment

• 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
• Assist in training and developing team members to improve capability and resilience

• 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
• Good communication and leadership skills
• 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

• Leads from the front with a hands‑on approach
• Calm, organised, and solutions‑focused
• High standards with a strong quality mindset
• Comfortable balancing people leadership with operational delivery
• Professional, discreet, and trustworthy

• Full‑time, permanent contract, working 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Access to the following company benefits: pension, life insurance, private medical healthcare, prescription protection eyewear, employee retail discounts
• 33 days holiday per year which includes a Christmas closure
• Opportunity to lead a critical operation producing technically complex, high‑value components
• Stable, long‑term role within a growing manufacturing business
• A role where expertise, accountability, and leadership genuinely matter

Interested? Click on the Apply button today! We look forward to hearing from you!