Team Leader - Painting

Company Description

Job Description

The Painting Team Leader is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the painting section in the event production workshop for high-quality color matching, prepping, painting, and finishing custom-built scenic elements, props, displays, and structures for events, exhibitions, and activations in an efficient, safe, and high-quality manner. This hands-on role involves leading a team of painters, acting as the primary link between the production Manager / Designers and the workshop floor to meet client specifications and strict production deadlines.

Key Responsibilities
1. Team Leadership & Supervision
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing workshop team to meet tight event deadlines.
• Allocate daily tasks to team members based on project schedules and skill levels.
• Provide training and support to staff, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Run daily, short "toolbox talks" or stand-up meetings to discuss project status, safety, and goals.

2. Production & Operational efficiency
• Coordination: Coordinate with workshop workflow to optimize production, reducing waste and downtime.
• Technical knowledge: Interpret technical drawings, CAD drawings, and design briefs to guide fabrication.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with project managers to update them on progress, potential delays, or material issues.
• Surface Preparation: Clean, sand, scrape, fill holes/cracks with putty, and prime various materials (wood, metal, foam, plastics) to ensure a smooth finish.
• Application Techniques: Apply paint, enamel, varnish, and lacquers using spray guns, rollers, and brushes.
• Specialized Finishes: Create custom scenic finishes, faux textures, and effects as required by scenic designers.
• Color Matching: Mix and match colors to meet specific, often custom, design requirements.

3. Quality Control & Safety
• Inspect finished surfaces for imperfections, ensuring high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing results.
• Enforce strict health, safety, and environmental rules, including wearing PPEs (respirators, goggles), maintaining a 5S-compliant orderly workspace, including proper storage/disposal of
chemicals and their use.

4. Material & Resource Management
• Manage raw materials inventory and coordinate with purchasing for necessary items.
• Clean, maintain, and troubleshoot painting equipment, including spray booths, airbrushes, and
air-assisted airless sprayers keeping it in good working order.

Job Qualifications

Required Skills and Qualifications
• Experience: 5+ years of experience as a team leader in a professional painting environment, preferably in an event, fabrication, or scenic shop.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead a team, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with various spray equipment, power tools, and sanders.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional focus on achieving high-quality, detailed finishes.
• Software: Basic knowledge of ERP systems or inventory software is a plus, along with Microsoft Office/Excel for reporting.
• Problem-Solving: Strong "hands-on" problem-solving ability in high-pressure situations.