EMEA Manufacturing Director

Make a Global Impact on Manufacturing Excellence 

At PPG, we work every day to protect and beautify the world. As Manufacturing Director, Architectural Coatings EMEA, you will lead a diverse and complex manufacturing network across the region, shaping the future of our operations while driving performance, safety, sustainability, and transformation. This is a critical leadership role for an experienced manufacturing executive who excels at leading through complexity, building high-performing teams, and delivering strategic and operational results in a multinational environment. The manufacturing network in AC EMEA is currently being upgraded, streamlined and modernized and the scope will be covering 13 plants and approximately 1500 employees in 2027. The role can be based near one of the AC locations within EMEA, including Amsterdam, Birstall, Wroclaw, Bucharest, Budapest or Rueil-Malmaison.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Architectural Coatings manufacturing organization across EMEA, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-performing operations.

• Define and execute the long-term manufacturing strategy, including network transformation, footprint optimization, and capacity planning.
• Drive operational excellence by improving productivity, quality, service, reliability, and cost competitiveness across multiple manufacturing sites.

• Champion a strong Environment, Health & Safety culture and ensure compliance with company standards and local regulations.

• Advance sustainability objectives and integrate environmental considerations into manufacturing strategy and operational decision-making.

• Define, initiate and steer major transformation initiatives, including organizational redesign, restructuring, and network optimization projects.

• Develop and coach a high-performing regional leadership team, strengthening talent pipelines and succession plans.

• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, HR, Quality, EHS, and business leaders to align manufacturing priorities with business objectives.

• Use data-driven insights and financial acumen to support investment decisions, productivity programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive +5 years senior leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, or a related discipline within a multinational organization.

• Proven success leading complex, multi-site manufacturing networks across multiple countries.

• Strong track record in operational excellence, productivity improvement, cost optimization, and organizational effectiveness.

• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale manufacturing transformation, network optimization, or restructuring initiatives.

• Deep understanding of manufacturing operations, EHS, quality systems, and sustainability practices.

• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and ability to translate operational performance into business outcomes.

• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to lead across functions and cultures.

• Proven ability to build, engage, and develop high-performing leadership teams.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field. Advanced qualifications are a plus.

• Willingness to travel up to 50% across the EMEA region.

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How we work: At PPG, we bring teams together to accelerate collaboration and career development, with in-person work Monday through Thursday and the opportunity to work remotely on Flexible Fridays. Schedules may vary by location.

About us: 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X. 

The PPG Way 2030  

We are customer champions 

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow. 

We act with purpose and speed 

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.  

We are excellent operators 

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.   

We compete to win 

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths. 

We are PPG proud 

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world. 

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to  https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.  

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [email protected]. 

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.  
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process. 

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.