Senior Paint Sprayer

Mission of the position

CAF is a world-class leader in the international market for the design, manufacture, maintenance and supply of equipment and components for railway systems. We are the most complete manufacturer of rail vehicles in the UK market and have been recognised for our hard work and professional service, having won the internationally acclaimed “Manufacturer of the Year” award at the prestigious Global Light Rail Awards in 2017 for projects we have been involved in within the UK and overseas.

The Senior Paint Sprayer will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the painting process at CAF Newport, ensuring that all painting tasks meet CAF's special process requirements and high standards of quality. This role includes a combination of hands-on painting work and leadership responsibilities, managing both the painting team and the paint stores. The Senior Paint Sprayer will play a critical role in optimising the painting process, reducing costs, and maintaining compliance with health and safety standards. 

Functions and responsibilities

• Carry out high-quality spray-painting work on trains and trams, ensuring all surfaces meet the required standards in line with CAF's special process and customer specifications.   Lead a team of paint sprayers, providing guidance and oversight to ensure work is completed efficiently and to a high standard. This includes mentoring less experienced staff and ensuring proper training and skill development.
• Oversee the painting process from start to finish, ensuring that all procedures are followed. Implement and maintain 5S practices (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) to ensure an organised and efficient work environment.

• Manage the paint stores, including ordering materials, maintaining stock levels, and ensuring paints are stored under the correct conditions. Coordinate with the procurement team to ensure materials are sourced efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Ensure all work adheres to CAF’s special process standards, with strict compliance to quality control measures. Conduct regular inspections to ensure that the paint application is free from defects and meets CAF’s quality benchmarks.

Key Responsibilities Cont.

• Coordinate with the Production Manager and Team Leaders to ensure that painting schedules are aligned with project timelines. Contribute to planning efforts to ensure that paint resources are utilised efficiently across multiple projects.
• Ensure all painting tasks are conducted in line with health and safety regulations, minimising risk and maintaining a safe working environment for the entire team. Ensure that PPE is worn and maintained according to company policy.
• Lead initiatives to improve the painting process, reduce material waste, and enhance overall efficiency. This includes engaging in problem-solving using techniques such as the 5 Whys and Fishbone (root cause analysis) to identify and resolve issues.

Required professional experience

Essential Skills for the role. 

Significant experience of paint spraying, including experience in a senior or supervisory role, ideally in an industrial or automotive setting.

Extensive knowledge of various spray-painting techniques and equipment, including electrostatic, air-assisted, and HVLP systems.  Knowledge of compliance standards in line with CAF’s special process requirements and experience working within a highly regulated environment.  Proven ability to lead a team, mentor junior staff, and ensure high levels of performance.

Technical and/or practical knowledge valued

Essential skills continued 

Experience implementing and maintaining 5S principles and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Ability to use problem-solving tools such as Fishbone Diagrams and 5 Whys to resolve production issues and enhance efficiency.

Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple projects and ensure efficient use of resources and materials.

In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations related to industrial painting processes, with experience ensuring compliance within the workplace.