The Product Engineering Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing program/product strategies in support of Axalta’s Global Strategy. The PE Manager will provide technical expertise and leadership to the Onsite Technical Service Teams and provide onsite technical service to customers which includes, but not limited to the development and application of products, processing techniques, and the resolution of complex problems. The PE Manager will coordinate the activities of other business functions including Technology, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and other business units in support of Axalta’s Global Services Strategy.  

Product Engineering Manager Strategic Functions:

• Supports and develops input on specific target goals for both global & regional customer accounts; specifically, P&L, variable margins, selling expenses, inventory, purchasing and customer demand forecast.
• Develop and manage critical relationships with onsite customer engineering and manufacturing team members. Will serve as technical spokesperson to customer materials engineering and paint manufacturing groups.
• Product planning activities include working with other product and marketing managers to update product plans for the respective business segments. Key elements of the product plan will include outlining business drivers, product positioning (cost, pricing, and margin) across segments, competitive benchmarking and designing product lifecycle roadmaps.
• Technical support activities include handling customer technical inquiries and complaints as well as working with the R&D organization to develop rapid customer response. 
• Manage corrective steps to resolve product performance issues. Lead product quality investigations/complaints with recognized problem-solving.
• Prepare and maintain monthly plant quality reports for customers.
• Serve as a Voice of Customer to the Axalta Sales, Marketing, Technical, and Manufacturing functions.
• Lead and support new product launches and technology transfers.
• Manage customer product approvals.
• Support and manage PDCA meetings and processes.
• Manage customer projects (LWRs, FWRs, EPMs) and prioritize project portfolio.
• Define VMI requirements and seek VMI improvement opportunities to implement.

Leadership Excellence:

• Build, lead, and develop regional team.
• Coach and mentor employees, providing career development planning and succession opportunities.
• Empower employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. Delegate responsibility while providing regular feedback.
• Maintain transparent communication. Appropriately communicate organization information through department and one-on-one meetings.

Culture Champion:

• Cultivate a strong team culture by enhancing and building highly effective and collaborative cross-functional relationships throughout the business.
• Through integrity and dependability, build relationships at all levels to help support change initiatives that help teams deliver value.
• Continuously identify ways to improve by engaging with staff and bringing perspective on new ideas.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Engineering or other applied sciences curriculum required.
• The ideal candidate will have at least eight (8+) years of automotive, chemical, or related industry experience to include a combination of sales, technical and marketing experience displaying finance and business acumen.
• Experienced at strategic account planning; led negotiation and management of complex accounts.
• Knowledge of paint formulation and application processes.
• Experience working in an R&D environment and bringing new products to market is highly preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work with all levels of the organization and customers.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously; leading multi-functional teams.
• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills with data-based decision-making capability.
• Ability to understand customer needs and translate them into product offerings / solutions.
• Strong data processing skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office preferred.
• Ability to collaborate and build teamwork is essential.
• Ability to travel up to 35%.

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. ("Axalta," or the "Company"), is a leading global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of high-performance coatings systems.  With over a 150-year heritage in the coatings industry, Axalta is known for manufacturing high-quality products with well-recognized brands supported by market-leading technology and customer service.

Over the course of the Company's history, Axalta has remained at the forefront of the industry by continually developing innovative coatings technologies designed to enhance the performance and appearance of customers' products, while improving the customer's productivity and profitability. Axalta's diverse global footprint of 50 manufacturing facilities, four technology centers, 47 customer training centers and more than 14,000 team members allows the Company to meet the needs of customers in over 130 countries. Axalta serves its customer base through an extensive sales force and technical support organization, as well as through approximately 4,000 independent, locally-based distributors. The Company's scale and strong local presence are critical to its success, allowing leverage of the technology portfolio and customer relationships globally while meeting customer demands locally.

Axalta operates its business in two operating segments: Performance Coatings and Transportation Coatings, serving four end markets, including:  Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across the following four regions: North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

For more information visit axaltacoatingsystems.com and follow us @axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.