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EMEA Operations Director - Job Opportunity at Axalta Coating Systems

Basel, Switzerland
Full-time
Executive
Posted: July 1, 2025
On-site
EUR 180,000 - 250,000 annually plus performance bonuses and equity compensation. This executive-level position in Switzerland commanding responsibility for 1000+ employees and multiple manufacturing facilities across EMEA typically commands premium compensation reflecting the strategic importance and operational complexity of the role.

Benefits

Comprehensive manufacturing strategy development opportunities that position leaders at the forefront of industrial innovation
Direct leadership responsibility for over 1000 employees across multiple facilities, providing extensive management experience
Cross-functional collaboration with global teams including R&D, Finance, and Business units, offering broad organizational exposure
Strategic planning involvement in global footprint rationalization and capacity expansion projects
Professional development through succession planning and mentorship program implementation
International travel opportunities (30-40%) for global operations oversight and relationship building
Executive-level participation in EMEA Leadership Teams for strategic decision-making

Key Responsibilities

Drive transformational manufacturing strategy development and execution across EMEA region to achieve corporate business objectives and market competitiveness
Lead operational excellence initiatives that directly impact cost reduction, profitability optimization, and manufacturing efficiency across multiple facilities
Provide strategic leadership and direction to over 1000 employees including 4 Plant Managers and 1 Site Director, building organizational capabilities
Execute global manufacturing strategy through local implementation while ensuring alignment with corporate goals and market demands
Spearhead strategic initiatives including global footprint rationalization, site selection, and production capacity planning for long-term growth
Drive continuous improvement through LEAN manufacturing practices and advanced process optimization to enhance competitive positioning
Develop and implement comprehensive 5-year manufacturing strategy to strengthen market position and operational capabilities
Lead cross-functional collaboration with operations, supply chain, procurement, and business units to optimize end-to-end value chain
Ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation across all manufacturing operations while maintaining business continuity
Champion change management initiatives and innovation programs to deliver transformational results in productivity and customer satisfaction

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry or related field

Experience

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

Required Skills

Knowledge and experience managing a site Process Safety Management (PSM) Strong chemical batch processing knowledge in a lean environment with high customization amongst products Experience applying or implementing lean manufacturing, kaizen methodology and productions systems Strong financial and analytical skills Large capital project management skills Strong communication and influence skills Change management and implementation of new initiatives and programs Gathering and reporting business data and key performance indicators Calculated and intelligent risk-taking using creative/innovative thinking Flexibility and adaptability to demanding and fast-paced work environment Ability to operate in a matrixed reporting structure Excellent verbal and written communication abilities Fluency in English and Deutsch
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Industry Trends

The coatings industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by sustainability requirements and carbon neutrality goals, with companies like Axalta setting 2040 carbon neutral targets that require operational leaders to implement green manufacturing processes and sustainable production methods. Electric and autonomous vehicle adoption is reshaping the mobility coatings sector, requiring operations directors to adapt manufacturing processes for new coating technologies, battery protection systems, and advanced materials that support next-generation automotive applications. Global supply chain resilience has become critical following recent disruptions, necessitating operations leaders to develop robust risk mitigation strategies, diversified supplier networks, and flexible production capabilities to ensure business continuity across international markets. Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 technologies are revolutionizing manufacturing operations, with smart factories, IoT integration, and data-driven decision making becoming essential for maintaining competitive advantage in the chemical coatings industry.

Role Significance

Direct leadership of 1000+ employees across multiple manufacturing sites with management responsibility for 4 Plant Managers and 1 Site Director. The role involves matrix management of cross-functional teams including Quality, Engineering, EH&S, and Supply Chain organizations spanning the entire EMEA region.
This is a senior executive position reporting directly to global leadership with full P&L accountability for EMEA manufacturing operations. The role carries significant strategic influence over corporate manufacturing strategy and serves as a key member of regional leadership teams with decision-making authority over capital investments, operational restructuring, and long-term capacity planning.

Key Projects

Global footprint rationalization involving site consolidation, capacity optimization, and strategic facility investments across European and Middle Eastern markets Implementation of comprehensive sustainability initiatives including carbon footprint reduction, waste minimization, and circular economy principles in manufacturing processes Digital transformation projects incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies, predictive maintenance systems, and advanced manufacturing analytics Large-scale capital expansion projects for new production capabilities supporting electric vehicle coatings and next-generation automotive applications

Success Factors

Proven ability to translate global corporate strategy into effective regional execution while maintaining operational excellence and profitability across diverse market conditions and regulatory environments. Exceptional change management capabilities to drive organizational transformation, implement new technologies, and adapt manufacturing processes to evolving market demands while maintaining employee engagement and productivity. Strong financial acumen combined with technical manufacturing expertise to make data-driven decisions on capital investments, process improvements, and cost optimization initiatives that deliver measurable business results. Cross-cultural leadership skills and multilingual communication abilities essential for managing diverse teams across EMEA region while building effective relationships with global stakeholders and local regulatory authorities.

Market Demand

High demand for experienced operations executives in the specialty chemicals and coatings industry, particularly those with EMEA regional experience and sustainability implementation capabilities. The combination of chemical processing expertise and large-scale manufacturing leadership creates a competitive talent market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Process Safety Management (PSM) expertise is absolutely essential given the chemical manufacturing environment and regulatory requirements across European jurisdictions. This knowledge ensures operational safety, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation in potentially hazardous chemical processing operations. LEAN manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies are critical for maintaining competitive cost structures and operational efficiency in the highly competitive coatings industry where margin optimization and productivity improvements directly impact profitability. Financial analysis and strategic planning capabilities are vital for making informed capital investment decisions, optimizing manufacturing costs, and developing long-term operational strategies that align with corporate objectives and market opportunities. Cross-cultural leadership and communication skills are indispensable for managing diverse teams across EMEA region while building effective relationships with global stakeholders, local customers, and regulatory authorities in multiple countries.

Beneficial Skills

Digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 knowledge would provide competitive advantage in implementing advanced manufacturing technologies, predictive analytics, and smart factory capabilities that enhance operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities. Sustainability and environmental management expertise would support Axalta's carbon neutrality goals and provide leadership in developing environmentally responsible manufacturing processes that meet evolving regulatory requirements and customer expectations. Mergers and acquisitions experience would be valuable for potential regional expansion opportunities, facility consolidation projects, or strategic partnerships that could enhance Axalta's market position and operational capabilities. Supply chain management and procurement expertise would strengthen the ability to optimize raw material costs, manage supplier relationships, and develop resilient supply networks that support consistent production and customer service levels.

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to lead sustainability transformation initiatives including implementation of 2040 carbon neutrality goals and development of environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes across multiple countries and regulatory jurisdictions.
Strategic involvement in next-generation automotive coatings development supporting electric vehicle adoption and autonomous vehicle technologies that represent the future of the mobility industry.
Cross-functional leadership role requiring collaboration with global R&D teams, business units, and regional leadership to drive innovation and market expansion in rapidly evolving coatings applications.
Complex operational environment managing both union and non-union facilities across diverse European markets while maintaining consistent operational standards and safety performance.

Career Growth

3-5 years to advance to global C-suite positions given the strategic nature of this role and the comprehensive operational experience gained managing large-scale international manufacturing operations.

Potential Next Roles

Global Chief Operations Officer or Chief Manufacturing Officer positions overseeing worldwide manufacturing operations Regional President or Managing Director roles with full business unit P&L responsibility Chief Executive Officer positions at mid-size specialty chemical or coatings companies Executive roles in private equity or consulting focused on manufacturing and operations transformation

Company Overview

Axalta Coating Systems

Axalta Coating Systems is a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings serving automotive OEMs and refinish markets with operations in over 140 countries. The company operates through Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings segments, coating approximately 30 million vehicles annually while serving industrial, refinish, light vehicle, and commercial vehicle end markets.

Axalta maintains a strong competitive position as one of the top global coatings suppliers with significant market share in automotive OEM and refinish segments. The company's focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer partnerships has established it as a preferred supplier to major automotive manufacturers and industrial customers worldwide.
EMEA represents a critical region for Axalta with multiple manufacturing facilities and strong market positions across European automotive and industrial markets. The Basel location provides strategic access to key European customers and serves as a regional hub for operations coordination and business development activities.
Axalta promotes a performance-driven culture emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and customer focus. The company's commitment to employee development, safety excellence, and environmental stewardship creates a professional environment that attracts experienced manufacturing leaders seeking to make strategic impact in a global organization.
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