The Director of Operations for EMEA 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 located in the EMEA region.
Essential Functions:
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 within EMEA
Align global production capabilities with the company’s business objectives, fostering innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Develop and implement a global manufacturing strategy aligned with corporate goals, market trends, and customer demands.
Assess current manufacturing capabilities and identify opportunities for operational optimization, capacity expansion, and technological innovation.
Lead strategic initiatives such as global footprint rationalization, site selection, and production capacity planning.
Direct line responsibility for 4 Plant Managers, one Site Director, and over 1000 indirect workers.
Full accountability for aspects of an integrated coatings facility including production, warehousing, and maintenance
Assess risks associated with global manufacturing operations and develop mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards across global manufacturing sites.
Develop and implement a 5-year manufacturing strategy to enhance competitiveness
Embrace succession planning and mentorship program across all levels of the organization
Be a change agent who excels at collaborating with diverse teams to deliver transformational results in efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Utilize LEAN manufacturing practices and continuous improvement methodology and tools to optimize global manufacturing processes.
Provide strong leadership to Manufacturing, Quality, EH&S and Engineering, and build capabilities around these areas
Evaluate and propose investment opportunities for new manufacturing technologies, capacity expansions, and modernization initiatives.
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 EMEA Leadership Teams to drive strategy and business requirements
Qualifications:
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
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
Fluency in English and Deutsch
Ability to travel up to 30% - 40%
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.
