Powder Coating Operative (Paint Shop) Location: Thatcham, Berkshire Salary: £16.50 – £18.50 per hour (dependent on experience) + Overtime Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Benefits: Generous overtime rates, modern working environment, career progression, company pension. The Company Our client is a highly successful, rapidly expanding producer of high-performance metal solutions. Renowned for their uncompromising reputation for quality finished products, they supply precision-engineered components to premium sectors. As part of their ongoing growth, they are now seeking a detail-oriented Powder Coating Operative to join their fast-paced paint shop team in Thatcham. The Role This is a vital role within the production cycle, ensuring that fabricated metal solutions receive a flawless, high-quality finish before leaving the factory. You will be responsible for the entire powder coating process—from rigorous surface preparation to operating paint machinery and conducting final quality checks. Key Responsibilities: * Prepare components for coating, including degreasing, masking, shot-blasting, or sanding to ensure optimal paint adhesion. * Operate powder coating machinery and spray guns to apply consistent, even coatings to a variety of metal products. * Load and unload components onto track systems or into curing ovens, carefully managing temperature and curing times. * Perform meticulous finishing work, ensuring all products are free from runs, blemishes, or uneven coverage. * Maintain an exceptional eye for detail, rejecting any parts that do not meet the company’s strict, high-end quality standards. * Clean and maintain paint shop equipment to ensure a safe, efficient, and dust-free working environment. About You: * Practical aptitude and strong common sense—you understand how to troubleshoot minor issues and handle metalwork safely. * Previous experience in a paint shop environment, ideally with hands-on powder coating or wet spraying experience. * A sharp eye for detail and a personal commitment to producing pristine, high-quality finishes. * Good physical stamina, as the role involves lifting, hanging components, and standing for extended periods. * Reliable and proactive attitude, with a strong understanding of workshop safety protocols (PPE, ventilation, etc.)