Lamination Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Lamination Manager leads the fiberglass lamination department for Dougherty Manufacturing, overseeing all aspects of gelcoat, hand lay-up, spray-up, resin and mold fabrication. This role is responsible for production output, quality, safety, staffing, and continuous improvement within the lamination shop, ensuring hulls, decks, and components are built to specification, on schedule, and in compliance with company and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate combines strong hands-on composite manufacturing knowledge with proven people-management and process-improvement skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, schedule, and supervise daily lamination operations, including gelcoat application, hand lay-up, spray-up, and resin infusion/vacuum bagging processes.
• Manage, train, and develop lamination technicians and leads; set performance expectations and conduct performance reviews.
• Ensure hulls, decks, liners, and composite components meet quality, structural, and cosmetic specifications before moving to the next production stage.
• Monitor and enforce safety protocols related to resin, gelcoat, styrene exposure, and other hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with OSHA and company EHS policies.
• Partner with Design Engineering to review lamination schedules, core materials, and build specifications for new models.
• Manage inventory and ordering of resins, gelcoat, fiberglass, core materials, and related consumables in coordination with purchasing.
• Track production output, scrap/rework rates, and department KPIs; report regularly to plant leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve first-pass quality in the lamination process.
• Coordinate with Quality Control to investigate and resolve defects, non-conformances, and warranty issues traced to lamination.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe lamination work area consistent with 5S or similar lean manufacturing principles.
• Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of lamination equipment, spray rigs, and vacuum infusion systems.
• Support new model tooling and plug/mold transitions from a lamination process standpoint.
• Maintain accurate production, training, and safety documentation for the department.
• All other duties as required by management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in fiberglass/composite lamination within a boat building or similar composite manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of supervisory or management experience leading a production team.
• Hands-on expertise in gelcoat application, hand lay-up, spray-up, and resin infusion/vacuum bagging techniques.
• Strong working knowledge of composite materials, core materials, and resin systems used in marine manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of OSHA safety requirements and best practices for handling resins, gelcoat, and other hazardous materials.
• Proven ability to manage production schedules, staffing, and departmental KPIs.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills; ability to train and develop a production team.
• Problem-solving mindset with experience driving process and quality improvements on the shop floor.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on production environment, including exposure to fiberglass, resin, and related materials.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience specifically in recreational boat manufacturing (center consoles, powerboats, or similar).
• Familiarity with ABYC standards and marine industry quality requirements.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement programs.
• Experience working with ADP, Visual, or similar workforce/timekeeping systems.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical, manufacturing, or business-related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily works on the manufacturing floor in an active fiberglass lamination environment.
• Regular exposure to resin, gelcoat, fiberglass dust, and related materials; appropriate PPE and respiratory protection required.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of materials, tools, or components up to 50 lbs.
• May require occasional presence during off-shift hours to address production or safety issues.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Dougherty Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, Florida, or local law, including the Florida Civil Rights Act. Dougherty Manufacturing will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Dougherty Manufacturing reserves the right to modify this description at any time.