Product Manager, Industrial Liquid Waterborne & Solventborne Coatings - Americas

Industrial Metal Coating Systems (MCS) Product Manager

Job Summary:

The Industrial MCS (Metal Coating Systems) Product Manager will be responsible for growth and profitability of a product line(s) within MCS Liquid Industrial business, including formulation and production cost objectives, life cycle management / product obsolescence, and capacity/application capabilities investment portfolio. The successful individual will work closely with the North American business to define and drive execution of a multigenerational product development plan in response to market/segment strategies including strategic roadmaps, gatekeeping, asset optimization, etc.

Work Location: This role requires a local presence within one of the following geographies:

• Houston, TX
• Philadelphia, PA surrounding area

Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Product Leadership: Lead the development and execution of strategic product management plans aligned with global strategies. Ensure optimal product portfolio management to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
• Market Intelligence & Insights: Conduct and synthesize global market assessments through primary and secondary research. Serve as the subject matter expert on market segments, trends, and competitive dynamics to inform strategic decisions.
• Market Segmentation & Opportunity Analysis: Define and refine market segmentation to assess market size, dynamics, company share, and growth opportunities. Prioritize sub-segments and customers to guide targeted strategies.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with R&D, sales, marketing, operations, and supply chain to ensure successful product launches and sustained performance.  Serve as the voice of the customer and market within internal teams.
• Product Lifecycle & Portfolio Optimization: Oversee regional and global product lifecycle management, including new product forecasting, obsolescence planning, and portfolio rationalization. Ensure offerings meet quality standards and market demands.
• Go-to-Market Strategy Execution: Drive cross-functional implementation of market strategies including pricing, product positioning, promotion, and distribution. Collaborate with sales, technical, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment and execution.
• Operational Excellence & Cost Management: Lead initiatives to improve product operational efficiency, reduce complexity, and optimize batch sizes and fixed costs. Support capital projects and business rule development.
• Voice of the Customer & Innovation Pipeline: Translate customer needs into actionable project plans. Support the sales team by driving a robust opportunity pipeline and leveraging existing capabilities for growth.
• Governance & Data Integrity: Ensure effective gatekeeping processes, master data governance, and alignment with integrated business planning to support strategic decision-making.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing, or other relevant discipline required.  Master’s degree preferred. 
• 5+ years’ experience in a marketing, commercial, or product management role with industrial liquid coatings alignment. Relevant Axalta experience will also apply.
• Cross-functional and cross-industry experience preferred. 
• Demonstrated business and financial acumen with ability to both collect and analyze data followed by communicate insights effectively. 
• Deep understanding of coatings products. Specialty experience within a segment desired. 
• Proven success leading cross-functional projects with influence to achieve tangible results.  
• Demonstrated experience leading gate project management processes and incorporating post-launch debriefs as a continuous improvement best practice.  
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to work well and influence others. 
• Highly motivated and results-driven with excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to challenge status quo and creative problem solving. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Solid organization skills include attention to detail and multi-tasking