Production Plant Manager - CB4 - NM

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 colourful 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.

We are currently looking for a Production Plant Manager to join us at our facility in Orrville, Ohio.

Reporting to the Vice President
- Global Operations Refinish, the Orrville Plant Manager will develop and execute manufacturing strategies to meet Axalta’s business requirements; drive process excellence in every step of the manufacturing process; implement improvements to reduce in cost of goods sold (COGS); and, direct Plant Management, including Quality, Engineering and EH&S.This position is responsible for analyzing local plant requirements and working cross-functionally within operations (internal manufacturing, external manufacturing, supply chain, and procurement) as well with functions outside operations (businesses, R&D, HR, Finance, and Legal).

The successful candidate will leverage knowledge of industry best practices and financial analysis/modeling to recommend/implement solutions to enhance operations performance and profitability. The position will translate Regional and Global operations strategies 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 initiative-taker 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), are critical to success in this role.

Key responsibilities:

Responsible for all plant operations and facilities

Direct line responsibility for a 100+ employee operations organization, including ~5-8 exempt direct reports

Full accountability for all aspects of an integrated coatings facility including production, warehousing, and maintenance

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

Collaborate with Commercial and Technology teams to best meet customer needs

Lead strategic capital investment projects and deliver expected outcomes

Bring Operational excellence and discipline to the site

Be data driven yet able to implement solutions at an appropriately urgent pace

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum 10 years manufacturing experience, including 5 years in the operations with full P&L responsibility and Coatings experience strongly preferred, as well as 5 years leading 50+ people

Strong financial and analytical skills; must be able to develop and implement a strategy to maximize productivity and profitability

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

Large capital project management skills a preferred

Effective communication and influence skills required; must be able to effectively enact change management and implement and lead new initiatives and programs

Strong bias for action and keen sense of urgency

Demonstrated ability to…