Finishing Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Finishing Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the finishing department in a cabinet manufacturing environment, with a primary focus on water-based paint systems. This role ensures the highest quality finish standards are consistently achieved while managing department personnel, equipment, production schedules, and environmental/safety compliance. The ideal candidate brings hands-on expertise with water-based coatings, spray application systems, and a deep understanding of wood finishing techniques specific to cabinet and millwork production.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Department Operations & Production Plan, coordinate, and oversee day-to-day operations of the finishing department including sanding, staining, sealing, and topcoat application using water-based paint systems. Manage production schedules to meet shipping deadlines while maintaining finish quality standards. Monitor throughput, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste. Coordinate with the production, scheduling, and quality control teams to align finishing workflow with overall plant output goals. Water-Based Paint Systems & Finishing Expertise Serve as the in-house subject matter expert on water-based coatings including waterborne lacquers, polyurethanes, and pigmented paints used on cabinetry. Manage mixing, tinting, and color-matching procedures to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Oversee spray application equipment (HVLP, airless, electrostatic) settings and maintenance to optimize transfer efficiency and minimize material waste. Troubleshoot finishing defects such as grain raising, fisheyes, orange peel, runs, sags, and adhesion failures specific to water-based systems. Stay current with product innovations in water-based technology and recommend upgrades or transitions as appropriate. Quality Control Establish and enforce finish quality standards for color uniformity, sheen consistency, film build, and surface smoothness. Conduct and document quality inspections at key stages: post-sand, post-stain, post-seal, and post-topcoat. Investigate and resolve customer complaints or field returns related to finish quality. Maintain finish sample boards and approved color/sheen standards library. Team Leadership & Training Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of finishers, sanders, and spray technicians. Develop and deliver training programs on proper application techniques, equipment operation, safety procedures, and water-based product handling. Foster a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement within the department. Conduct performance reviews and address disciplinary matters in accordance with company policy. Environmental, Health & Safety Compliance Ensure full compliance with all applicable OSHA, EPA, and local environmental regulations governing VOC emissions and hazardous material handling. Manage proper storage, handling, and disposal of finishing materials in accordance with SDS guidelines. Maintain spray booth operation, ventilation systems, and fire suppression equipment. Conduct regular safety audits and enforce PPE requirements throughout the finishing area. Equipment & Facility Management Oversee preventive maintenance and scheduling of spray booths, conveyors, drying ovens/flash-off tunnels, sanders, and related finishing equipment. Coordinate with maintenance staff and outside vendors for equipment repairs and upgrades. Manage department inventory of finishing materials, consumables, and supplies; coordinate purchasing with the procurement team. xF90i2w97K