Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Finishing Manager to lead our finishing department, specializing in water-based operations and the application of finishes on materials such as wood, rattan, raffia, and more. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in color theory, with hands-on experience in developing and applying color solutions, as well as proficiency in various finishing techniques, including spraying, sanding, lacquer application, and quality control.
As the Finishing Manager, you will be responsible for managing a team of finishing technicians, ensuring top-quality standards, and overseeing the precise application of colors and finishes on a variety of materials.
In this role, you will manage the entire finishing process and work closely with departments such as Upholstery, Packaging, Product Development, and Marketing to ensure a smooth and efficient manufacturing workflow while upholding the highest quality standards.
Description
- Manage and lead the finishing paint department, providing guidance, constructive feedback, and support to the team while fostering a respectful work environment
- Oversee various finishing tasks such as painting, sanding, and drying, to determine safe completion dates and ensure the on-time delivery of work orders
- Conduct inspections and assess furniture to ensure that quality standards and customer requirements are consistently met
- Train and mentor employees, ensuring they receive adequate training to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively
- Develop new custom colors and finishes, ensuring consistent color application across all substrates and products while guiding team members on color theory and practical application
- Collaborate with the product development team to understand color requirements and translate them into practical applications, either by matching a reference from a fan deck or creating a custom formula
- Ensure consistent color quality and adherence to standards across all products
- Implement and enforce quality control procedures to ensure all finishes meet company expectations
- Conduct regular inspections and tests to verify the quality and durability of applied finishes
- Address any defects or application issues promptly, developing corrective action plans when necessary
- Oversee and actively participate in spraying, sanding, lacquer application, and color application processes
- Ensure that proper application techniques are consistently followed to achieve optimal results
- Maintain and calibrate finishing equipment regularly to ensure consistent performance and accuracy
- Ensure the proper maintenance and upkeep of all tools and equipment, such as paint pumps, within the department
- Manage and optimize water-based finishing processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste
- Monitor inventory of raw materials and tools such as paints, glazes, and stains, ensuring availability when needed
- Properly dispose of hazardous waste materials, including empty paint containers and any other items that require special handling and disposal
- Adhere to and enforce safety guidelines and protocols within the finishing department, in line with OSHA and IIPP standards
- Continuously seek out opportunities for process improvements and implement solutions to enhance both efficiency and quality
- Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in finishing technologies and techniques to ensure best practices are followed
- Perform other duties as needed
Key Qualifications
- A minimum of five years of industry managerial experience in finishing, preferably in furniture finishing
- Bachelor's degree in operations management, manufacturing engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Proficient in spraying, sanding, lacquer application, and various finishing techniques using water-based products
- Familiarity with safety and environmental regulations related to finishing operations
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Physical Requirements
- Strong ability to distinguish between subtle color variations to achieve desired finishing results
- Capable of working in a warehouse environment with varying noise levels, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection and NIOSH-approved respirators, as needed
- Physically able to walk up to 5,000 steps per day
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Able to lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds
- Flexibility to bend, crouch, or stretch to access various surfaces or work areas
- Must be able to use respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) when required
- Must be able to access and navigate different departments within the organization's facilities
Pay/Benefits
- Pay Range: $110,000-$125,000 per year
- Competitive Paid Time Off
- A flexible health plan offering medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Account
- 401(k) Savings Plan
- Profit Sharing Benefits
- Generous Employee Discount
