Finish Manager

The Finish Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the cabinet finishing process, ensuring that quality standards are met and maintained across all projects. This role involves managing the finishing team, coordinating with other departments, and ensuring that projects are completed on time. The Finish Manager must stay up to date with the latest finishing techniques, materials, and industry trends to implement best practices, improve production efficiency, and maintain a clean, dirt-free environment.

 Responsibilities

1.      Team Management

• Supervise and lead a team of cabinet finishers, providing training, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Schedule workload, monitor attendance, and manage time to ensure adequate staffing for all finishing projects.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment that emphasizes teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Create and track key performance metrics and goals to measure productivity, quality, and overall performance.
• Oversee performance management and implementing discipline as needed in coordination with HR.

2.      Quality Control

• Oversee the finishing process to ensure all cabinets meet quality standards, including color consistency, texture, and durability.
• Implement quality control measures and inspect finished products for defects or inconsistencies.
• Identify areas of improvement and address quality issues proactively, working with the team to resolve problems and prevent future occurrences.

3.      Process Management

• Develop, optimize, and implement standardized procedures (SOPS’s), finishing processes, selecting appropriate materials, techniques, and tools to enhance efficiency and quality. 
• Coordinate with the production to align finishing schedules with project timelines.
• Manage inventory of finishing supplies and ensure equipment is properly maintained.

4.      Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote safe working practices in the finishing department.
• Oversee the handling and disposal of finishing chemicals in accordance with environmental regulations.
• Keep up with changes in safety standards and ensure the team is trained on all relevant safety protocols.

5.      Continuous Improvement

• Track finishing performance metrics and implement process improvements to increase productivity and reduce waste.
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging finishing techniques, and new materials to enhance the department’s capabilities.
• Develop and implement training programs for staff to improve skills and knowledge in cabinet finishing.
• Communicate and recommend to management finishing area quality improvements and production efficiency.
• Lead training and staff development initiatives to ensure the team is skilled and knowledgeable.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Skills: In-depth knowledge of finishing techniques (e.g., staining, painting, varnishing), strong leadership and organizational skills, and proficiency in troubleshooting finishing equipment.
• Knowledge: Understanding of wood materials and finishes, color matching, and chemical safety standards, paint and staining systems best practices.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in high-end wood finishing such as cabinets, flooring, furniture, or millwork.
• Background in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working with automated finishing equipment.
• Certification in chemical handling or related areas.

Personal Attributes:

• Detail-oriented and committed to quality excellence.
• Strong communicator who can effectively coordinate with multiple departments.
• Proactive problem-solver with a focus on process improvement and team development.
• BS degree, preferably in Chemical Engineering or Business Management or relevant work experience with a track record of technical and critical thinking capability.
• 5 years management experience working in cabinet or furniture finishing
• Experience with lean manufacturing tools; Six Sigma, Kaizen, root cause analysis, Kanban, etc.
• Experience working in Microsoft Office applications and ERP system
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leaderships skills
• Proficient knowledge of coating application tools