Houston Plant Manager

Axalta•Houston, TX

13h•$180,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Manager will develop and execute the manufacturing strategy to meet Axalta’s business requirements, drive process excellence throughout manufacturing, reduce cost of goods sold, and direct plant management across Quality, Engineering, and EH&S. The role leads all Houston site operations and facilities, translating regional and global operations strategies into local execution while ensuring an efficient flow of products and supply chain from suppliers to customers. The Plant Manager works cross-functionally with internal and external manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, business teams, HR, Finance, and Legal, using industry best practices and financial analysis to improve operational performance and profitability. The position calls for a high-energy self-starter who can balance tactical execution with long-term strategic planning, meet customer requirements, and maximize profitability. The role has direct line responsibility for nine direct reports and over 100 indirect reports, with full accountability for an integrated coatings facility, local regulatory matters, and operational and capital budgets. It provides leadership across Manufacturing, Quality, EH&S, and Engineering and builds capabilities in those areas. The Plant Manager promotes continuous improvement in quality, cost, delivery, and inventory; manages productivity and quality control; and brings operational discipline to the site while executing Axalta’s AOE strategy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or a related discipline.
At least 10 years of manufacturing experience, including experience in the chemicals or a related industry.
Knowledge of non-union sites.
Knowledge and experience managing site Process Safety Management (PSM).
Strong communication, leadership, and influence skills, including the ability to enact change management and lead new initiatives and programs.
Strong financial and analytical skills, including the ability to develop and implement a strategy to maximize productivity and profitability.
Chemical batch processing knowledge in a lean environment with highly customized products.
Ability to apply or implement lean manufacturing, kaizen methodology, and production systems.
Demonstrated experience gathering and reporting business data and key performance indicators.
Ability to work effectively in a matrixed reporting structure.
Ability to work flexible hours and/or overtime when needed.
Ability to perform duties safely and satisfactorily, with manual dexterity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Ability to sustain heavy visual and mental concentration and periods of prolonged sitting.
Ability to conduct production floor and warehouse visits, including prolonged standing or walking, negotiating obstacles, and bending or stooping.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Coatings industry experience.
At least 10 years leading managers.

Responsibilities

Lead all plant operations and facilities at the Houston site.
Directly manage nine direct reports and oversee more than 100 indirect reports.
Oversee production, warehousing, maintenance, process engineering, quality control, and safety at an integrated coatings facility.
Maintain accountability for local site regulatory matters.
Promote continuous improvement in quality, cost, delivery, and inventory.
Lead Manufacturing, Quality, EH&S, and Engineering and build capabilities in these areas.
Manage the operations budget through productivity improvements and quality control.
Apply operational excellence and discipline and execute the AOE strategy.
Use data to identify and implement solutions at an appropriately urgent pace.
Communicate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and employees at various levels.
Develop and implement strategies to maximize productivity and profitability.
Apply chemical batch processing knowledge in a lean, high-customization manufacturing environment, including lean manufacturing, kaizen, and production systems.
Gather and report business data and key performance indicators.
Operate effectively in a matrixed reporting structure.
Create and manage operational and capital budgets.
Translate regional and global operations strategy into local execution and support consistent product and supply chain flow from supplier to customer.