Finishing Engineer (Automotive Colour Process Engineer)

Coats is a world leader in thread manufacturing and structural components for apparel and footwear, as well as an innovative pioneer in performance materials. These critical solutions are used to create a wide range of products, including ones that provide safety and protection for people, data and the environment.Trusted by the world's leading companies to deliver crucial, innovative, and sustainable solutions, we provide value-adding products including apparel, footwear and specialty threads.With a proud heritage dating back more than 250 years and a spirit of evolution to constantly stay ahead of changing market needs, we have operations across 50 countries with a workforce of over 17,000, serving our customers worldwide.Headquartered in the UK, Coats* connects talent, textiles, and technology to make a better and more sustainable world.For more info, visit our website: www.coats.comRole Purpose:To lead and coordinate colour development and approval processes for automotive customers, ensuring alignment with OEM specifications. The role is responsible for Lab colour development and submission to OEM Automotive customers, lab-to-production colour transfer, optimises Dyehouse and Finishing parameters to meet Automotive specifications and integrating colour physics principles to achieve Right First Time (RFT) and on-time colour approval performance.Main responsibilities include H&S, colour development for OEMs, labor productivity and machine efficiency, 5S, management of shift supervisors, service KPIs, and waste reduction.Key Responsibilities:Manage all colour development and approval stages for multiple automotive OEM customers.Coordinate lab-to-bulk shade transfer activities ensuring consistent results across production.Track development timelines in close cooperation with Quality, Sales and Technical Service teams.Ensure colour submissions meet OEM-specific requirements (e.g. ΔE, metamerism, gloss, and fastness).Communicate colour progress updates proactively to internal and external stakeholders.Design and set appropriate dyeing and finishing parameters in line with automotive specifications.Monitor finishing performance (e.g. handle, appearance, tensile strength, shrinkage) and ensure stability across lots.Ensure finishing machines run with validated parameters for each automotive program.Support process adjustments and trials to improve bulk reproducibility and product consistency.Drive cross-functional collaboration between Colour Lab and Dyehouse to achieve RFT improvements.Apply colour physics principles and instrumental analysis for precise shade evaluation (CIELAB, ΔE, DECMC).Use digital colour management tools such as Colour Stitch, SedoMaster, and spectrophotometer interfaces to ensure accuracy.Investigate colour deviations using root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.Train operators and colourists on visual and instrumental colour assessment techniques.Ensure compliance with Coats and customer-specific environmental and chemical standards.Maintain safe working conditions and adherence to environmental regulations.Participate in audits (customer or internal) related to automotive product requirements.Promote sustainability by optimizing resource usage and reducing waste generation.To define the risks and opportunities of the process and to initiate the necessary actions.To keep the documentation and resources up-to-date.Make sure that the requirements of the QMS are being implemented in all processes.Performing internal audits according to the internal audit plan.Responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable local legal, environmental, health and safety, fire, and employment regulations, as well as Coats Group policies within the department or area of responsibility.Lead the unit/department in the sustainability strategy implementation being responsible for the sustainability targets achievement ( reducing the use of natural resources, minimizing the environmental footprint and seeking to create a safe and sustainable workplace).Responsible for the implementation of, and compliance with the country's legal, environmental, health and safety, fire, employment laws, regulations, legislations, acts and similar for the Coats group policies in the unit (/department/ area of responsibility ), such as below, but not limited to: .HS-223 policy Reporting Injury/ illnesses and per Country laws, Building requirements and regulation, permits, licenses, Environmental authorisation ( including water discharge ), Fire authorization, Employment and work regulation, including overtime rules, Working environment, Periodic inspection of equipment, User licenses, mandatory trainings to be conducted, Specific work related licenses, Any other highlight/risk identified at unit level or raised by the EMEA Cluster management, Reliable action/validity due dates.Lead the unit/department in the sustainability strategy implementation, being responsible for the sustainability targets achievement ( reducing the use of natural resources, minimizing the environmental footprint and seek to create a safe and sustainable workplace).Qualifications and Experience:University degree in Textile Engineering or Industrial Engineering.3–5 years of experience in dyeing, colour development, or finishing operations within a textile manufacturing environment.Strong understanding of colour measurement techniques, CIELAB systems, and colour physics.Experience working in a manufacturing or process-driven environment, preferably within textiles.Familiarity with the automotive process approach and related quality requirements.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and ownership in delivering results.Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in English (both written and verbal).Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.Results-oriented mindset with attention to accuracy and process efficiency.At Coats Group, we are committed to innovation, excellence, and fostering a diverse and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making an impact in the textile industry and eager to join a global leader with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we invite you to take the next step in your career with us.Apply now to be part of our dynamic team and help shape the future of textiles.