Anodizing Production Manager

Overview

Mural Group is partnering with an international aluminum manufacturer launching its first U.S. production facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This is a rare opportunity to build and lead an anodizing operation from the ground up, not by inheriting an existing department, but by creating the people, processes, and operational standards that will support a world-class manufacturing facility.

If you've spent your career leading aluminum anodizing operations and have always wanted the opportunity to build something your way, this is that opportunity.

What You'll Do

As the Anodizing Operations Manager, you'll have full ownership of a new anodizing department from initial planning through production launch.

Working closely with plant leadership, you'll define the organizational structure, help select equipment, establish operating standards, recruit your team, and lead the commissioning and ramp-up of a new anodizing line.

Once operational, you'll own the safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement of the department.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the anodizing department from startup through full production

• Develop staffing plans, team structure, and operating procedures

• Partner with engineering and plant leadership during equipment installation and commissioning

• Establish best practices for chemical process control, quality systems, and production standards

• Lead supervisors, technicians, and operators while developing future department leaders

• Drive continuous improvement across safety, throughput, quality, and cost

• Make critical operational decisions to protect product quality and long-term process stability

• Build a culture focused on accountability, ownership, and operational excellence

What We're Looking For

• Significant leadership experience within aluminum anodizing operations (required)

• Experience leading anodizing teams in a manufacturing environment

• Experience with aluminum color control, process chemistry, and finish quality

• Strong understanding of anodizing process parameters, layer thickness, electrical control, pretreatment, and sealing

• Experience launching new production lines, expanding operations, or building manufacturing teams is highly preferred

• Ability to make difficult operational decisions while balancing quality, production, and cost

• Strong leadership style built around accountability, ownership, and developing people

• Please note: Experience with anodizing other metals alone (such as titanium or stainless steel) is not sufficient for this role. We are specifically seeking professionals with aluminum anodizing experience.

What Success Looks Like

You'll ultimately own the performance of the anodizing operation, including:

• Line uptime and equipment reliability

• Scrap reduction

• Process consistency

• Color repeatability and finish quality

• Team development and operational readiness

• Safe and efficient department operations

Why This Opportunity?

This isn't simply another plant management role. You'll help build one of North America's newest aluminum manufacturing facilities from the ground up, shaping the people, systems, and processes that will define the operation for years to come.

You'll join before production begins, giving you a rare opportunity to influence equipment commissioning, department design, staffing strategy, and operational culture from day one.