Job Description:

Paint Team Leader - Rail Refurbishment

Location: Midlands, North London & Home Counties (flexible location considered)
Salary: £35,000 - £38,000 basic + overtime
Realistic Earnings: Up to £50,000 per annum

The Opportunity

Due to continued growth, we are looking to recruit Paint Team Leaders to support our expanding rail refurbishment operation across the UK.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll be responsible for managing small teams of painters delivering rolling stock refurbishment projects. We're looking for individuals who remain technically strong painters but can also take ownership of team performance, quality standards, safety, productivity and day-to-day delivery.

The role will involve working on customer sites nationwide, so flexibility to travel and stay away from home when required is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a small team of painters on rail refurbishment projects.
• Organise daily workloads and allocate tasks effectively.
• Monitor productivity, quality and project progress against programme requirements.
• Ensure all painting activities are completed to specification and quality standards.
• Manage paint materials, equipment and consumables.
• Identify and resolve paint defects and quality issues.
• Promote and maintain safe working practices at all times.
• Communicate progress, delays and operational issues to management.
• Support, mentor and develop team members.
• Address poor workmanship and performance where required.
• Maintain compliance with company procedures, customer requirements and industry standards.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Strong professional painting experience within a rail or rolling stock environment.
• Previous experience leading, supervising or mentoring a small team.
• Excellent knowledge of surface preparation, masking, priming and topcoat application.
• Experience using industrial and 2K coating systems.
• Competent in spray painting techniques and paint application processes.
• Strong understanding of paint quality standards and defect rectification.
• Ability to work from technical specifications and production schedules.
• Good understanding of COSHH, PPE requirements and paint-related health & safety regulations.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to take ownership and lead by example.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to travel and stay away from home when required.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• PTS / Sentinel Card.
• IPAF and/or PASMA certification.
• IOSH, SSSTS or equivalent supervisory health & safety qualification.
• Formal paint, coatings or industrial finishing qualifications.

Who We're Looking For

We are not simply looking for an experienced painter. The successful candidate must be capable of running a small team and taking ownership of the shift.

You will be confident organising daily workloads, allocating tasks, managing materials and equipment, monitoring progress and maintaining high standards of quality and safety. You will be able to identify potential delays, resolve issues proactively and communicate effectively with management and customers where required.

You must also be comfortable challenging poor workmanship, addressing underperformance and ensuring your team consistently delivers to the required standards.

We are open to speaking with:

• Experienced Rail Paint Team Leaders or Supervisors who can immediately take responsibility for a team.
• Highly experienced Senior Rail Painters who possess the technical expertise, reliability and leadership qualities to progress into a Team Leader position.

Salary & Benefits

In addition to a competitive basic salary of £35,000 - £38,000, there are regular overtime opportunities, providing realistic annual earnings of up to £50,000.

Our benefits package includes:

• 23 days annual leave, rising to 25 days after 2 years' service, plus all UK bank holidays.
• BUPA Employee Assistance Programme for employees and their families, providing mental, physical and financial wellbeing support, including access to medical professionals.
• One additional paid volunteering day per year.
• Generous discretionary sick pay scheme, offering up to 80 days full pay after 5 years' service.
• Contributory pension scheme (3% employer contribution / 5% employee contribution).
• Employee discount platform with access to over 800 retailers, providing average annual savings of around £1,000 per year.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Free flu vaccinations.
• Free mortgage support services.
• Free on-site parking.
• Free fruit on site.
• Annual performance appraisals and pay reviews.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Discretionary profit-related bonus scheme.
• Holiday trading scheme (launching in 2027).
• Company-branded workwear and clothing.
• Long Service Recognition Scheme.
• Values Champion Awards.
• Regular company social events, including summer and Christmas parties.
• A strong, positive and supportive company culture.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing rail refurbishment business where you will play a key role in delivering high-profile rolling stock projects across the UK. You'll have the autonomy to lead your own team, the support to develop your career and the chance to be part of a business that genuinely values its people.

If you're an experienced Rail Paint Team Leader, Supervisor or Senior Painter looking for your next challenge and the opportunity to earn up to £50,000 per year, we'd like to hear from you.