Director of Operations, Multi-Site (Americas)

Job Description:

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colorful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

The Director of Operations, Multi-Site (Americas) will develop and execute the manufacturing strategy to meet Axalta’s business requirements; drive process excellence in every step of the manufacturing process; implement improvements to reduce the cost of goods sold (COGS); and, direct Plant Management, including Quality, Engineering and EH&S. Position is responsible to lead actions for Operations for the Mobility sites listed in the NAM & LATAM Regions.

This position is responsible for analyzing local plant requirements and working cross-functionally within operations (internal manufacturing, external manufacturing, supply chain, procurement) as well with functions outside operations (businesses, R&D, HR, Finance, Legal). The role will leverage knowledge of industry best practices and financial analysis/modeling to recommend solutions to enhance operations performance and profitability. The position will translate Regional and Global operations strategy into local execution while developing and ensuring consistent and efficient flow of product and supply chain from supplier to customer, as well as enabling best-in-class service to internal and external customers. The position will also consider the latest developments in competitive technology, EH&S, and team development.

The qualified candidate will be a high-energy self-starter with a strong work ethic who must excel at both day-to-day tactical execution as well as long-term strategic planning. This individual must be motivated by a competitive industry and be an expert at fulfilling customer requirements and maximizing profitability. Excellent communication and leadership skills, as well as deep, relevant experience across multiple functions/facets of a best-in class manufacturing organization(s), will be critical to success in this role.

Additional Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for all plant operations and facilities for the Liquid sites
• Direct line responsibility for 3 Plant Managers and over 1000 indirect workers.
• Full accountability for aspects of an integrated coatings facility including production, warehousing, and maintenance
• Full accountability for all local site regulatory matters.
• Inculcate a continuous improvement mindset that drives improvements in quality, cost, delivery, and inventory every day
• Provide strong leadership to Manufacturing, Quality, EH&S and Engineering, and build capabilities around these areas
• Manage operations budget through continuous productivity improvement and Quality control
• Lead strategic capital investment projects and deliver expected outcomes
• Bring Operational excellence and discipline to the sites
• Be data driven yet able to implement solutions at an appropriately urgent pace
• Must have demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with cross functional stakeholders and various levels of employees
• Be an active participator and leader on the NAM & LATAM Ops and SC Leadership Team to drive strategy and business requirements.
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry or related field
• Master in MBA or related, recommended.
• Minimum 15 years manufacturing experience, including years in the chemicals or related industry (Coatings experience strongly preferred), as well as at least 15 years leading managers
• Knowledge and experience managing a site Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Strong chemical batch processing knowledge in a lean environment with high customization amongst products, including experience applying or implementing lean manufacturing, kaizen methodology and productions systems
  
  
  

Highly Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge on non-union sites. Ideally to have Union site experience.
• Strong financial and analytical skills; must be able to develop and implement a strategy to maximize productivity and profitability
• Large capital project management skills a plus
• Strong communication and influence skills required; must be able to effectively enact change management and implement and lead new initiatives and programs
• Demonstrated experience in gathering and reporting business data and key performance indicators to business leadership teams
• Strong bias for action and keen sense of urgency
• Demonstrated ability to take calculated and intelligent risks using creative/innovative thinking
• Flexible and adaptable to demanding and fast-paced work environment
• Able to adeptly operate in a matrixed reporting structure
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
  
  
  

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.

Our Company:

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colorful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.