Black Bear Talent is seeking an experienced and hands-on Supervisor/Foreman to lead industrial and commercial maintenance and repair projects involving polymeric
coating and composite repair systems. This role is a hands-on position responsible for overseeing field crews, ensuring proper surface preparation and application, maintaining safety and quality standards, and delivering projects on time and within scope. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, a background in industrial coatings or similar trades, and experience working in heavy industrial environments.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Execution & Leadership
- Supervise and coordinate daily activities of applicator crews on industrial, commercial, and military job sites.
- Assign tasks, monitor productivity, and ensure work is performed efficiently and safely.
- Oversee surface preparation, mixing, and application of products to manufacturer specifications.
- Ensure adherence to project plans, work instructions, and QA/QC standards.
- Conduct pre-job briefings, toolbox talks, and end-of-day reviews.
- The successful candidate would be a problem solver and demonstrate initiative thinking
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Verify correct surface preparation methods (abrasive blasting, mechanical prep, cleaning, etc.).
- Ensure environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, dew point) are within required parameters.
- Conduct inspections at key stages and document work using photos, logs, and QA forms.
- Maintain strict compliance with application procedures, OSHA standards, and customer site requirements.
Safety Management
- Enforce company and site-specific safety policies.
- Identify hazards, implement controls, and ensure crew adherence to PPE and safe work practices.
- Lead incident reporting, near-miss reviews, and corrective actions.
Logistics & Coordination
- Coordinate material, equipment, and tool requirements for each project.
- Communicate schedule updates, progress reports, and issues to project managers and clients.
- Assist in planning manpower needs and sequencing of tasks.
Training & Development
- Mentor and train new applicators on products and application techniques.
- Support ongoing certification, skill development, and cross-training within the team.
Qualifications / Technical Experience
- 3+ years of experience as a foreman, supervisor, or lead technician in industrial coatings, polymer repair, corrosion control, or similar trades.
- Hands-on experience with industrial coatings products preferred.
- Strong knowledge of surface preparation methods, coating application standards, and industrial maintenance practices.
- Familiarity with industrial environments such as refineries, manufacturing, power plants, chemical plants, pulp and paper, mining, water treatment facilities, hospitals and more.
- Proven ability to lead crews effectively in high-demand environments.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Ability to read and interpret job scopes, technical data sheets, and customer specifications.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to solve problems on-site and adjust plans as conditions change.
Certifications (Preferred but Not Required)
- NACE/AMPP Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 1 or 2).
- OSHA 10/30.
- Confined Space, Fall Protection, or related industrial safety training.
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work on ladders/scaffolding, and operate in confined or elevated spaces.
- Willingness to work overtime or weekends and travel within Territory (Virginia, Maryland, DC and West Virginia) a must depending on project demands (50-80% of time will involve travel).
- Comfortable working in varying industrial environments (heat, cold, humidity, noise).
- Must pass a 10-Panel Drug Screening and Criminal Background Check.
- Must possess a valid Drivers License and be able to be insured. - Clean driving record
- Experience towing trailers and equipment is preferred.
Work schedule
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Day shift
- Night shift
- Overtime
Supplemental pay
- Bonus pay
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Health insurance
- 401(k)