Global Director of Manufacturing Strategy

Axalta•Detroit, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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%.
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.

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.