The VP of Operational Excellence is based at one of our existing Axalta locations and reporting to the Chief Transformation Officer.  This role is critical in leading Axalta’s Manufacturing Strategy and Operational Excellence providing standards and supporting our global manufacturing network across three business units. 

The VP of Operational Excellence is responsible for the Global Manufacturing Strategy developing a plan to Sustain, Grow, and Develop our manufacturing capabilities.  This includes helping drive consistent capital deployment, partnering with the BU Ops Team and Procurement.  This role also leads Axalta’s Operational Excellence Globally that drives the Axalta Operating System (AOS); which sets standards, policies, and key operating metrics to help drive a safe, efficient, and highly productive sites.  

 

Key Responsibilities: 

Lead the Establishment and Embedding of the Axalta Operating System (AOS) 

Accountable to audit the implementation of  AOS across the enterprise to drive continuous improvement through the deployment of standardized processes, tools, and KPIs. 

Embed a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across global operations. 

Build and scale the capabilities for Continuous Improvement through the development CI professionals. 

 

Assess and Optimize the Global Manufacturing Footprint 

Lead the team in evaluating the efficiency and strategic alignment of global manufacturing sites. 

Guide the identification of opportunities to consolidate or expand operations based on market trends. 

Oversee the development of a roadmap to optimize the global footprint for cost efficiency and agility aligned with long-term strategic objectives. 

Lead the Development and Implementation of Capital Investment Standards 

Guide the team in the creating and implementation of a standardized project management methodology across all capital projects, including a framework for prioritizing capital projects aligned with strategic goals. 

Oversee efforts to quantify and communicate the financial and strategic benefits of capital projects. 

 

Drive Technology Adoption and Best Practices Through Team Leadership 

Lead the team to research, evaluate, and recommend emerging manufacturing technologies. 

Oversee the piloting and scaling new technologies across global operations. 

Stay informed on disruptive technologies and ensure the team integrates relevant advancements. 

Drive Manufacturing Automation and Digitalization Systems 

Lead the team in delivering a comprehensive strategy for manufacturing automation  

Guide the implementation of smart manufacturing technologies, including IoT, AI, and robotics. 

Oversee the integration of digital systems to enhance real-time data analytics, decision-making, and security. 

 

Build and Maintain Strategic Stakeholder Partnerships 

Cultivate strong relationships with global business unit and operations leaders as well as key stakeholders (finance, EHS, procurement, etc.). 

Foster collaborations with external partners like tech startups and universities. 

Ensure recognition of contributions to innovation and operational improvements. 

 

Lead Global Maintenance and Reliability Programming 

Direct the team in developing and implementing the global maintenance and reliability programing to standardize maintenance practices across sites for consistency and efficiency. 

Oversee the optimization of preventive maintenance programs to improve equipment uptime and longevity. 

 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred). 

15+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial environments, with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement. 

Experience leading a team, developing talent, and managing change in a global manufacturing organization with multiple business units and cross-functional teams. 

Track record of leading large-scale capital improvement programs with measurable results in cost savings and efficiency improvements. 

Strong understanding and practical experience with lean manufacturing principles and best practices. 

Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization. 

Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage complex, multi-site initiatives and drive cultural change. 

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.

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