Finishing | Team Lead

UAP | Urban Art Projects believes incredible things don't just happen; they're created, nurtured, believed in. Spanning art, architecture, design, environments, and everything in between – UAP works with artists and creatives to make incredible things all over the world.

UAP collaborates with emerging and renowned artists, architects, developers, and designers; to deliver creative outcomes for the public realm. We engage in all aspects of the delivery process from curatorial services and design development, through to fabrication and installation.

Visit uapcompany.com for more information.

Objective: The Finishing | Team Lead is responsible for supervising, coordinating, and actively participating in the finishing processes of art manufacturing, including metal finishing, surface preparation, polishing, and assembly. This role ensures that all artwork meets the vision of the artist in conceptual, aesthetic, and quality standards, while maintaining efficient workflow, safety, and team performance. The Finishing I Team Lead’s objectives are to coordinate the various processes of the Finishing Team to ensure production targets are met, the team works efficiently and is inspired by and engaged with the work. This position is also responsible for the safety and smooth operation of all activities and equipment in the Finishing Team while ensuring all required materials are organized, stocked and maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Supervision
• • Lead, train, and mentor the Finishing Team to achieve production goals and maintain artistic standards.
  • Assign daily tasks, monitor progress, and provide hands-on guidance.
  • Foster a collaborative and safe work environment.
• Production & Quality Control
• • Oversee all finishing processes including grinding, sanding, welding, chasing, polishing, final finish and project information recording.
  • Ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality in all completed artwork.
  • Collaborate with artists, designers, and project managers to achieve the intended artistic vision.
  • Inspect finished work for defects or deviations and coordinate corrective actions as needed.
  • Ensuring that all consumables are stocked, and equipment is operational.
• Communication & Workflow
• • Ensuring communication channels between your team and the business are effective.
  • Coordinate production schedules to meet deadlines.
  • Track and report project progress to management.
  • Working directly, continuously and closely with all team leads.
  • Strategizing the efficient handling of materials and information between all teams.
• Technical Expertise
• • Demonstrate excellence in finishing tools, techniques, and materials.
  • Provide hands-on support on complex finishing tasks.
  • Troubleshoot technical challenges and recommend improvements.
• Safety & Compliance
• • Enforce adherence to safety protocols, PPE use, and OSHA standards.
  • Conduct safety checks and training for finishing staff.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area.
  • Working with the team to maintain and develop clean shop practices 

Qualifications: 

• 5+ years of experience in metal finishing/fabrication and or foundry work, with years of experience in a leadership role and/or managing projects in art production.
• Strong technical expertise in metal finishing processes, and surface preparation.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Computer skills utilizing Microsoft Office (Teams, Outlook, Excel.)
• Excellent problem solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and artistic rend