Senior Team Leader Operations

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Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Job Description_ Team Leader – Paint Quality

Job Summary: The Paint Quality Team Leader is responsible for overseeing and leading a team of paint quality inspectors and technicians to ensure that all painted products meet established quality standards, specifications, and customer requirements. This role involves implementing, monitoring, and maintaining paint quality control processes, identifying and resolving paint-related quality issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the paint shop or painting process. The Team Leader will also be responsible for team development, training, and performance management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Management:
  • Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of paint quality inspectors and technicians.
  • Assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure efficient workflow within the paint quality team.
  • Provide constructive feedback and identify training needs for team members.
  • Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.
  • Ensure adherence to safety protocols and company policies.
• Quality Assurance & Control:
  • Develop, implement, and maintain paint quality inspection procedures and standards.
  • Oversee and conduct visual inspections and measurements of painted surfaces for defects (e.g., runs, sags, orange peel, fisheyes, inclusions, poor adhesion, colour variation, dry film thickness).
  • Utilize and calibrate paint testing equipment (e.g., gloss meters, spectrophotometers, adhesion testers, thickness gauges).
  • Ensure all painted products conform to design specifications, customer requirements, and industry standards (e.g., ISO & CAT standards).
  • Monitor and control critical paint process parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, curing times, spray gun settings).
  • Identify, document, and report non-conforming paint issues.
  • Initiate and follow up on corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) for paint quality defects.
  • Participate in root cause analysis for recurring paint quality problems.
• Process Improvement:
  • Collaborate with production, engineering, and Manufacturing Engineering teams to optimize paint processes and reduce defects.
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in paint application, curing, and inspection methods.
  • Implement lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to enhance paint quality and efficiency.
  • Conduct trials and evaluate new paint materials or application techniques.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of paint quality inspections, test results, and non-conformances.
  • Generate regular reports on paint quality performance, trends, and key metrics.
  • Prepare and present quality data to management and relevant stakeholders.
• Training & Development:
  • Provide training to team members on paint quality standards, inspection techniques, and the use of testing equipment.
  • Stay updated on new paint technologies, quality methodologies, and industry best practices.
• Customer & Supplier Interaction:
  • May interact with customers to understand their paint quality requirements and address concerns.
  • May collaborate with paint suppliers to resolve material-related quality issues.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Diploma (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or Materials), Coatings Technology, or a related technical field. Equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience in paint quality control, paint application, or a related field within a manufacturing environment.
  • Proven experience in a team leadership or supervisory role.
• Technical Skills:
  • In-depth knowledge of various paint types, application methods (e.g., spray, powder coating, electrocoating), and curing processes.
  • Proficiency in using paint inspection and testing equipment (e.g., gloss meters, colorimeters, dry film thickness gauges, adhesion testers, impact testers).
  • Strong understanding of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
  • Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and other quality improvement methodologies.
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and quality standards.

• Soft Skills:
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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