Position Title: Decoration Supervisor
Employment Type: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Location: Houston, TX, Onsite
Compensation: $30.50
Reports to: Vice President of Operations
COMPANY OVERVIEW
For nearly 30 years, Bowtech has been a leader in premium archery equipment, delivering innovative products trusted by hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts around the world. Guided by our motto, Refuse to Follow®, we are committed to quality, craftsmanship, and creating exceptional experiences for the communities we serve. Proudly manufacturing our products in the USA, we foster a culture built on respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Whether you share a passion for archery and the outdoors or are simply eager to learn and contribute, we invite you to become part of our supportive and dedicated team.
Are you a Bowtech product user or an avid hunter? We'd love to hear your story. Share how Bowtech products have helped shape your experiences in the field or on the range.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Under the direction of the Vice President - Operations, the Decoration Supervisor is responsible for leading and actively participating in all decoration and finishing operations throughout the manufacturing process. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring daily involvement in hydrographics, powder coating, Cerakote application, wet paint application, surface preparation, masking, plugging, washing, pretreatment, touch-up, inspection, and finishing activities while also supervising the Decoration team.
Unlike a traditional supervisory position, the Decoration Supervisor is expected to spend a significant portion of their time working directly alongside Decoration Technicians and production personnel to ensure products are processed efficiently and consistently meet Bowtech's quality and appearance standards. This role serves as the technical leader for all decorative finishing operations and is responsible for maintaining quality, throughput, process consistency, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the department.
The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, hands-on finishing and coating experience, excellent attention to detail, and extensive knowledge of compound bows, bow components, and archery equipment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Decoration Leadership and Working Supervision
- Lead daily operations of the Decoration Department while actively participating in production activities.
- Perform hydrographic dipping, powder coating, Cerakote application, wet paint application, masking, plugging, washing, pretreatment, touch-up, and finishing activities alongside Decoration Technicians.
- Coordinate daily production schedules and prioritize work to support manufacturing requirements and customer demand.
- Assign work responsibilities and balance workloads throughout the department.
- Train, mentor, and develop Decoration Technicians and new employees.
- Monitor employee productivity, quality performance, attendance, and adherence to company procedures.
- Lead by example through professionalism, quality workmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to safety.
- Serve as the primary resource for troubleshooting decoration and finishing issues.
- Promote accountability, teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement throughout the department.
- Communicate production challenges, equipment concerns, staffing needs, and process improvement opportunities to leadership.
Hydrographics Operations
- Perform all phases of the hydrographics process including cleaning, preparation, masking, base coating, film layout, activation, dipping, rinsing, drying, inspection, and top coating.
- Ensure proper film handling, hydration timing, activator application, dipping angles, and processing techniques to achieve consistent results.
- Troubleshoot hydrographic defects including stretching, distortion, under-activation, over-activation, fading, voids, washout, and pattern alignment issues.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for hydrographic processing.
- Monitor process consistency and implement improvements to increase quality and throughput.
- Maintain inventory of films, activators, coatings, and related consumable materials.
- Train employees on hydrographic techniques and best practices.
Powder Coating Operations
- Lead and perform powder coating operations including pretreatment, masking, plugging, coating application, curing, inspection, and touch-up activities.
- Monitor coating thickness, finish quality, cure schedules, adhesion, and appearance standards.
- Verify proper masking and plugging of critical surfaces and threaded features prior to coating.
- Adjust application processes and techniques to maintain coating consistency and quality.
- Monitor powder consumption and material usage to minimize waste.
- Troubleshoot coating defects and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain powder coating equipment and coordinate maintenance activities as required.
- Support process improvement initiatives focused on throughput, quality, efficiency, and material utilization. Manufacturing powder coat supervisors commonly oversee pretreatment, application, curing, quality control, and process optimization activities.
Quality Assurance and Process Control
- Inspect decorated components and finished products to ensure compliance with Bowtech quality standards.
- Monitor finish appearance, pattern placement, color consistency, coating coverage, adhesion, and overall workmanship.
- Identify defects and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Engineering teams to investigate quality concerns and process improvements.
- Maintain quality records and production documentation.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the department.
Inventory, ERP, and Production Support
- Utilize Dynamics D365 ERP to support production transactions, inventory management, work order completion, and departmental reporting.
- Monitor inventory levels of films, powders, paints, Cerakote materials, activators, masking supplies, plugs, and related consumables.
- Coordinate with Supply Chain and Warehouse teams to ensure material availability.
- Assist with inventory counts and inventory accuracy initiatives.
- Support production planning and scheduling activities.
Safety and Environmental Compliance
- Ensure all employees follow applicable safety procedures, PPE requirements, and departmental guidelines.
- Maintain proper handling, storage, and disposal practices for paints, coatings, chemicals, powders, and related materials.
- Promote a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Conduct regular workplace inspections and housekeeping activities.
- Follow all departmental policies, procedures, environmental requirements, and company guidelines.
CROSS-TRAINING AND BRAND SUPPORT
- Support decoration and finishing operations across all Bowtech brands and product categories.
- Assist with new product launches and custom finish development.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Product Management, and Operations teams.
- Maintain working knowledge of current and future Bowtech products, technologies, and finishing processes.
- Cross-train employees across multiple decoration and finishing functions.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and special projects.
- Assist with additional responsibilities as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior supervisory, lead, or team leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with hydrographics and water transfer printing operations.
- Experience operating TWN hydrographic systems or similar equipment.
- Experience with powder coating, Cerakote, industrial finishing, or paint operations.
- Experience utilizing Dynamics D365 ERP software.
- Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
- Experience within the archery, hunting, outdoor, sporting goods, or manufacturing industries.
- Passion for archery, bowhunting, and the outdoor lifestyle.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of three years of hands-on experience in hydrographics, powder coating, industrial finishing, painting, or related manufacturing processes.
- Minimum of two years of leadership, lead, trainer, or supervisory experience.
- Strong understanding of hydrographic processing, surface preparation, masking, plugging, pretreatment, and finishing operations.
- Experience troubleshooting coating, painting, and hydrographic defects.
- Strong knowledge of quality inspection and appearance standards.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Commitment to quality, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Ability and willingness to travel for extended periods of time as business needs require.
WHY JOIN BOWTECH?
At Bowtech, we are passionate about innovation, quality, and teamwork. We offer a collaborative culture where employees have the opportunity to make an impact, develop professionally, and support products trusted by archers around the world. Whether you're an experienced industry professional or eager to grow your skills, Bowtech provides an environment where people can succeed together.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Bowtech is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Pay: $30.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- hydrographics, powder coating or industrial painting: 3 years (Required)
- leadership or supervisory : 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
