EMEA Operations Director(m/w/x)

# EMEA Operations Director **Basel, Basel-Stadt** | **Full time** The Director of Operations for EMEA 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. Position is responsible to lead actions for Operations for the Mobility sites located in the EMEA region. **Essential Functions:** * This position 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, R&D, HR, Finance, Legal). The role 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 position will also consider the latest developments in competitive technology, EH&S, and team development. * 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. * Additional Responsibilities include: * Responsible for all plant operations and facilities for the Liquid sites within EMEA * Align global production capabilities with the company’s business objectives, fostering innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. * Develop and implement a global manufacturing strategy aligned with corporate goals, market trends, and customer demands. * Assess current manufacturing capabilities and identify opportunities for operational optimization, capacity expansion, and technological innovation. * Lead strategic initiatives such as global footprint rationalization, site selection, and production capacity planning. * Direct line responsibility for 4 Plant Managers, one Site Director, and over 1000 indirect workers. * Full accountability for aspects of an integrated coatings facility including production, warehousing, and maintenance * Assess risks associated with global manufacturing operations and develop mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity. * Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards across global manufacturing sites. * Develop and implement a 5-year manufacturing strategy to enhance competitiveness * Embrace succession planning and mentorship program across all levels of the organization * Be a change agent who excels at collaborating with diverse teams to deliver transformational results in efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction. * Utilize LEAN manufacturing practices and continuous improvement methodology and tools to optimize global manufacturing processes. * Provide strong leadership to Manufacturing, Quality, EH&S and Engineering, and build capabilities around these areas * Evaluate and propose investment opportunities for new manufacturing technologies, capacity expansions, and modernization initiatives. * 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 * Be an active participator and leader on EMEA Leadership Teams to drive strategy and business requirements **Qualifications:** * Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry or related field * Master in MBA or related, recommended * Minimum 15 years manufacturing experience, including years in the chemicals or related industry (Coatings experience strongly preferred), as well as at least 15 years leading managers * Knowledge and experience managing a site Process Safety Management (PSM) * 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 **Highly Preferred Skills:** * Knowledge on non-union sites. Ideally to have Union site experience. * Strong financial and analytical skills; must be able to develop and implement a strategy to maximize productivity and profitability * Large capital project management skills a plus * Strong communication and influence skills required; must be able to effectively enact change management and implement and lead new initiatives and programs * Demonstrated experience in gathering and reporting business data and key performance indicators to business leadership teams * Demonstrated ability to take calculated and intelligent risks using creative/innovative thinking * Flexible and adaptable to demanding and fast-paced work environment * Able to adeptly operate in a matrixed reporting structure * Excellent verbal and written communication abilities * Fluency in English and Deutsch * Ability to travel up to 30% - 40% 1.2 - First/Mid Level Officials and Managers (EEO-1 Job Categories-United States of America)