Houston Plant Manager

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 Plant Manager to join us at our facility in Houston, TX.

 

Position Description:

The Plant Manager will develop and execute the manufacturing strategy to meet Axalta’s business requirements; drive process excellence in every step of the manufacturing process; implement improvements to reduce the cost of goods sold (COGS); and, direct Plant Management, including Quality, Engineering and EH&S. The Plant Manager will lead actions for all operations at Houston. 

 

The Plant Manager is responsible for analyzing local plant requirements and working cross-functionally within operations (internal manufacturing, external manufacturing, supply chain, procurement) as well with functions outside operations (businesses, HR, Finance, Legal). The successful candidate will leverage knowledge of industry best practices and financial analysis/modeling to recommend solutions to enhance operations performance and profitability. The position will translate Regional and Global operations strategy 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 qualified candidate will be a high-energy self-starter 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), will be critical to success in this role.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all plant operations and facilities at site. 
• Direct line responsibility for nine (9) direct reports and employees and over 100+ indirect reports. 
• Full accountability for all aspects of an integrated coatings facility including production, warehousing,  maintenance, process engineering, quality control, and safety. 
• Full accountability for all local site regulatory matters.
• 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.
• Bring operational excellence and discipline to the site and execute AOE strategy. 
• Be data driven yet able to implement solutions at an appropriately urgent pace.
• Must have demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with cross functional stakeholders and various levels of employees.
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience in gathering and reporting business data and key performance indicators.
• Able to adeptly operate in a matrixed reporting structure.
• Create and manage operational and capital budgets. 

 

Qualifications:
Incumbent must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily and in a safe and manner. The items listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and experience required.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry or related discipline required. Advanced degree desired.  
• Minimum 10 years manufacturing experience, including years in the chemicals or related industry (coatings experience strongly preferred), as well as at least 10 years leading managers highly desired. 
• Knowledge on non union sites. 
• Knowledge and experience managing a site Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Must be able to work flexible hours and/or overtime when needed.
• Work requires manual dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Heavy visual and mental concentration and periods of prolonged sitting are required.
• Occasionally required to conduct production floor and warehouse visits requiring prolonged standing or walking, negotiation of obstacles, and bending or stooping.
• Strong communication and influence skills required; must be able to effectively enact change management and implement and lead new initiatives and programs.

 

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. 

 

The expected compensation range for this position is $180,000 - $200,000 USD annually. 

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.

Recruitment Fraud Alert: We take candidate safety seriously. If you believe you’ve encountered a fraudulent job posting claiming to represent our company, please include a link or screenshot and report it to TA-Support-Center@axalta.com.

1.2 - First/Mid Level Officials and Managers (EEO-1 Job Categories-United States of America)

We consider an individual’s qualifications, skillset, and experience to determine final salary. This role is eligible for benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. The actual offer will be at the company’s sole discretion and determined by relevant business considerations, including the final candidate’s qualifications, years of experience, skillset, and geographic location.

 

This is an active opening for which we are recruiting to fill immediately.