At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead paint processes and ensure top-notch finishes for our iconic motorcycles.
- Company: Join a legendary British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, private medical insurance, and more!
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant work culture with exciting team events and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of motorcycling.
- Qualifications: Experience in paint processes and strong technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We’re not just another bike brand - we're an iconic, British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history behind us.
Our new state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull, West Midlands are home to a tight-knit, but ever-expanding team that's passionate about delivering exquisite riding experiences to our customers.
Under new ownership and proud to be part of the TVS Motor family, we're entering a new era of global success.
And we want you to be a part of it!
At Norton, we value respect, trust, and responsibility.
We trust our employees to execute their roles exceptionally and professionally, and we value personal development, teaching, and learning.
When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in the business.
So if you're passionate about motorcycles and looking to join a team that's shaping the future of this legendary brand, we'd love to hear from you!
The Role
The Paint Process Engineer will serve as Norton’s in-house paint expert, providing technical leadership across paint development, supplier performance, new product design support, and quality improvement initiatives.
This role requires deep technical expertise in paint technologies and strong cross-functional collaboration to ensure world-class paint finishes that meet both aesthetic and durability expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide early-stage design feedback to Engineering teams to ensure paintability of new products
- Lead development, testing, and approval of new colours and finishes
- Support aesthetic standard creation, implementation, and deployment across the supply chain
- Apply in-depth knowledge of liquid painting, powder coating, pre-treatment, electro-deposition, and paint application on ABS, aluminium, steel, and carbon fibre components
- Troubleshoot paint application issues, including electrocoating and powder application defects
- Provide hands-on expertise in paint repair for ABS, carbon fibre, and aluminium components
- Prepare specifications for new equipment, fixtures, jigs, and tooling
- Lead process and facility re-engineering projects to meet QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) targets
- Drive paint-related cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement projects
- Develop and maintain Norton’s paint supply chain, including UK-based procurement through SAP
- Lead supplier development activities, improving capabilities and resolving paint quality issues
- Set, implement, and police aesthetic paint standards across suppliers and internal operations
- Implement TS16949 methodologies such as PFD, PFMEA, QCPC, FPDR, and TPDR
- Required Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience in paint processes - ideally from a paint plant, automotive environment, or as a Paint Supplier Development Engineer
- Technical or Engineering qualification, ideally in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
- Strong background in manufacturing and working with supply bases
- Commercial awareness, with the ability to assess the cost impact of paint techniques, standards, and bespoke finishes
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Preferred Experience
- Automotive industry background (Tier 2 paint suppliers desirable)
- Experience with bespoke or custom paintwork solutions for customers
- Experience setting and maintaining paint supply chains and aesthetic standards
Rewards of working for Norton
We Like To Take Care Of Our Nortoneers And We Think We Offer Some Pretty Decent Rewards. Here's What You'll Get When You Join The Team
- Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience
- 33 days of holiday (inc. Bank Hols) to relax and recharge
- Generous pension scheme that sets you up for the future, with access to personalised advice.
- Private Medical Insurance and a Cash Back Programme to keep you feeling your best
- Life insurance (4x salary) because we've got your back no matter what
• FREE fruit, got to have your five-a-day!
- We Care Employee Assistance Programme, which includes access to online GP services, dietary advice, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and a fitness programme
- Experience the thrill of an entrepreneurial environment within a larger, well-funded company with ambitious long-term goals.
- Elevate your career with our Ideas for Excellence scheme, where every brilliant idea is not just valued, but also rewarded!
- A diverse and international team that brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
- Join the fun with our twice-yearly employee events, payday socials, and loads of exciting activities in between!
- Want to go green? You can enjoy free electric bicycle hire
- Plus, no need to stress about finding a parking spot - we've got on-site free parking covered and FREE electric charge points
We know how important it is to take care of our team, and we're committed to continually improving our reward offering in line with the business growth plan.
Join us and see for yourself!
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT ACCEPT AGENCY APPLICATIONS
Paint Process Engineer in Birmingham employer: Norton Motorcycles
At Norton, we pride ourselves on being more than just a motorcycle brand; we are a family that values respect, trust, and responsibility. Located in Solihull, our state-of-the-art facilities foster a collaborative work culture where personal development is encouraged, and every employee's ideas are celebrated. With competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances, private medical insurance, and opportunities for career growth, joining our passionate team means becoming part of a legacy while shaping the future of motorcycling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paint Process Engineer in Birmingham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Norton Motorcycles, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Paint Process Engineer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Norton Motorcycles specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norton Motorcycles
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Norton Motorcycles, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Norton Motorcycles value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
