Senior Manager of Paint Operations
$110,000–$160,000 year
On-siteMilan, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Lead all aircraft paint operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production while managing production schedules, workflow planning, and resource allocation. Develop operational strategies to support growth, customer satisfaction, and profitability objectives, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase productivity and quality. Ensure all activities meet FAA regulations, OEM requirements, and environmental controls, leading investigations into discrepancies and implementing corrective actions. Manage departmental operating budgets, monitor labor efficiency and material consumption, and partner with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time aircraft delivery. Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing team members while establishing performance expectations and accountability standards. Serve as a key operational contact during projects, resolving customer concerns and maintaining strong business relationships.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered
- Minimum of 10 years of aircraft paint, refinishing, completions, or aviation coatings experience
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing aircraft paint operations, aviation manufacturing operations, or FAA-regulated MRO environments
- Strong knowledge of aircraft paint systems, coating technologies, application methods, and surface preparation procedures
- Demonstrated success managing teams, budgets, workforce planning, and operational metrics
- Strong understanding of FAA, OSHA, EPA, and quality management requirements
- Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to obtain and maintain required airport security credentials
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
- Ability to climb ladders, stairs, platforms, and lifts to inspect aircraft and work areas
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds
- Ability to work in environments with noise, fumes, chemicals, paint-related materials, and varying temperatures
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment
- Flexibility to support production schedules, customer commitments, operational needs, and occasional weekend or extended-hour requirements
Desired Qualifications
- Business aviation MRO experience
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience
- Knowledge of Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault Falcon, Embraer, and Textron aircraft platforms
- Experience leading multiple paint lines or large-scale paint operations
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