About this role
Job Title
Color Department Manager (NKC)
Department
Color / Color Lab / Color Sample Department
Reporting Structure
- Reports To: Director of Quality Control, Color, and Testing Labs
- Direct Reports: Color Chemists, Color Sample Technicians, and/or Color Specialists
- Indirect Influence: Product Support, R&D, Production, and QC personnel
Primary Purpose
The Color Department Manager is responsible for leading all North Kansas City based color-related operations within the organization, including color file development, color sample production, color matching systems, and color-related production support.
This role ensures the delivery of consistent, high-quality color performance across products and manufacturing sites while developing team capability, driving process improvements, and aligning color operations with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1) Leadership & People Management
- Directly manage, coach, and develop Color Department personnel, including performance management, training, and career development.
- Build and maintain strong team capability in color matching, file development, instrumentation, and systems use.
- Establish clear expectations, priorities, and accountability for safety, quality, and productivity.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ownership, and collaboration across departments.
2) Color Operations Ownership
- Oversee all color file development for new products, processes, and equipment implementations.
- Ensure the production of high-quality color samples meeting internal and customer specifications.
- Manage workload prioritization to meet deadlines, business needs, and customer requirements.
- Maintain efficient workflows for color matching, file building, and sample preparation.
3) Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with R&D, Product Development, and Product Support to define color acceptance criteria and evaluate color feasibility.
- Work closely with Production and QC to support manufacturing operations and resolve color-related issues.
- Interface with Sales, Customer Service, and Marketing to support customer needs and sample deliverables.
- Collaborate with suppliers and external partners on pigments, colorants, and color technologies.
4) Production Support & Troubleshooting
- Lead investigation and resolution of color-related production issues and customer complaints.
- Provide guidance on off-spec color batches, including rework, correction, or disposition recommendations.
- Support troubleshooting across multiple sites and systems, including color instrumentation and software.
5) Quality & Standards Management
- Ensure adherence to company standards, testing methods, and documentation requirements.
- Review and improve color processes to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency.
6) Systems, Technology & Data
- Oversee use and optimization of color instrumentation and software (e.g., DataColor systems).
- Ensure proper use of formulation systems and analytical tools (Excel-based tools).
- Maintain accurate and traceable data systems for formulations, samples, and color files.
- Evaluate and implement improvements in color technology, automation, and workflows.
7) Documentation & Reporting
- Ensure all color-related work is well-documented, traceable, and audit-ready.
Internal & External Relationships
- R&D / Product Development
- Product Support / QC / Testing Lab
- Production (KC, Baltimore, and other sites)
- Sales, Marketing, Customer Service
- Purchasing and Suppliers
- Rework Teams
Qualifications
Required Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
Technical Expertise
- Advanced knowledge of color matching, color file development, and coatings technology.
- Strong understanding of colorants, pigments, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong understanding of color measurement systems and instrumentation.
Leadership Skills
- Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive performance.
- Strong decision-making and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communicator across technical and non-technical audiences.
Operational Excellence
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and quality.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
Education & Experience
- Bachelors degree in Chemistry or related scientific field preferred.
- 7–10+ years of experience in coatings, color technology, or related field.
- Prior experience in team leadership or supervisory role strongly preferred.
- Proficiency with color software systems.
- Ability to meet color aptitude requirements where applicable.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Frequent standing/walking; computer work required.
- Operation of laboratory and batch equipment.
Safety & Compliance
All employees are required to follow company safety policies and procedures and will receive training in hazardous, safety, and environmental practices.