Global Director of Manufacturing Strategy

Job Title: Global Director of Manufacturing Strategy

Position Summary: The Director of Manufacturing Strategy leads strategic initiatives that are critical to Axalta’s global manufacturing success. This role drives the optimization of the global manufacturing footprint, balancing cost efficiency, technological advancement, and operational excellence to maximize profitability and return on invested capital (ROIC). The Director will oversee both the study and execution phases of major transformation programs — including site optimization, complex product transfers, new technology implementation, and due diligence for potential acquisitions. The position requires strong analytical capability, technical understanding of Axalta product technologies, and the leadership presence to engage effectively with global teams and senior executives.

Work Location: This role requires a hybrid onsite work presence within one of the following locations:

• Philadelphia, PA
• Glen Mills, PA
• Mt. Clemens, MI

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Network Strategy & Capital Execution

• Lead global capital investment and manufacturing footprint optimization activities, including site relocations, expansions, and major modifications.
• Evaluate global conversion and delivered costs to identify opportunities for network simplification and improved ROIC.
• Develop and maintain a global manufacturing strategy roadmap aligned with business growth and technology needs.

Technology Implementation & Process Innovation

• Drive adoption of advanced manufacturing processes such as iBSM, automatic dosing, in-line dispersions, and state-of-the-art milling.
• Partner with Process Technology (PT), Operations, and Engineering to ensure seamless integration of new technologies into existing production networks.

Product Transfers & Complexity Reduction

• Lead complex, cross-site product transfer projects to harmonize intermediate and finished products, improving scalability and cost efficiency.
• Oversee cross-functional initiatives to simplify product portfolios, reduce manufacturing complexity, and enhance economies of scale across multiple technologies and business scopes.

M&A and Strategic Projects

• Support and steer due diligence activities for potential acquisitions with a focus on operational and technological assessment.
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to Axalta leadership regarding capacity, technology fit, and integration potential.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead global, cross-functional teams across Operations, Technology, and Business functions to deliver strategic outcomes.
• Present findings, recommendations, and project updates regularly to senior and executive leadership.
• Champion a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within global manufacturing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required with Chemical or Industrial discipline preferred.
• Proven experience managing major capital investment projects exceeding $5 million.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in Operations, Technology, or Engineering.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing technologies, process optimization, and product transfer methodologies.
• Demonstrated success leading global, cross-functional teams and executing complex strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional project management capability, with a track record of delivering multi-site, cross-functional programs on time and within budget in fast-paced, matrixed environments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels (from shop floor operators to executive leadership) translating complex technical and strategic concepts into clear, actionable insights.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written).
• Travel required: approx. 25%.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and analytical mindset with strong business acumen.
• Influential leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to align diverse global teams around common objectives.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical and financial data into clear, strategic recommendations.
• Strong project management discipline, problem-solving ability, and organizational excellence.
• Deep commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous operational improvement.

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.

Axalta may use technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support certain aspects of the recruitment and selection process. These tools may be used to help manage applications, identify job-related qualifications, and assist recruiter review. All hiring decisions involve human oversight and review.

1.1 - Executive/Senior Level Officials and Managers (EEO-1 Job Categories-United States of America)