Business Unit Director

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 Business Unit Director (m/f/d) - Specialties EMEA to join us in Basel.

Specialties Business Unit is made up of Axalta`s Thermoplastic and Spencer Coatings business with sites located in Switzerland, Netherlands and the UK. Specialties business director will have the full P&L responsibility and is accountable for the business unit's financial performance.
Key responsibilities include developing and executing strategic plans, creating budgets as well as long and short term forecasts, analyzing financial data to identify opportunities, and leading the team to achieve financial targets. 

Core responsibilities:

• Financial management: Create and manage budgets, forecast revenue and expenses, and monitor performance against financial targets.
• Strategic leadership: Develop and implement long-term strategies to increase revenue, reduce costs, and drive profitability.
• Performance analysis: Analyze financial reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Decision-making: Make strategic financial decisions regarding resource allocation, new market entry, and cost-saving initiatives working closely in the Global Matrix organization
• Team leadership: Lead and motivate teams to align their efforts with financial goals and hold them accountable for results.
• Stakeholder communication: Report on business performance to stakeholders and participate in customer meetings and key negotiations as necessary.

​Key skills and qualifications:

• Business acumen: A strong understanding of Chemicals or Coatings business dynamics and markets.
• Financial literacy: Proficiency in financial management, P&L analysis, and forecasting.
• Strategic thinking: The ability to develop and execute long-term plans that align with financial goals.
• Leadership and communication: The ability to lead and inspire a team, and to communicate effectively with various stakeholders including a strong global matrix.

Qualifications: 

• Completed degree in business administration, economics, chemicals or a related field
• At least 10 years of professional experience in customer related and operational roles ie Supply Chain, Customer service, Demand Management
• In-depth knowledge of the Industrial Coatings market and competitive analysis, as well as of the optimization of commercial processes
• Strong skills in project management and in coordinating interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong Financial acumen and technical capabilities in IT systems (Excel, Power BI, SAP / BW and other analytical tools)

Personal skills

• Analytical thinking skills and the ability to interpret complex data
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proactive, independent work style and team orientation
• Ability to operate in a very dynamic environment, managing a global matrix
• Ability to travel regularly ~40%

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. 

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.