Global Product Manager - CV/APC

Axalta; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Axalta is seeking a Global Product Manager for Commercial Vehicle & Automotive Plastic Coatings in Detroit, MI. This role leads the platform roadmap, ensuring competitive and profitable solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in product management and a strong background in coatings systems. A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or business is required, with advanced degrees preferred.

Moderate global travel is expected to support alignment and initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in product management or coatings systems experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead roadmaps and guide innovation investments.
• Familiarity with Stage-Gate innovation processes.

Responsibilities

• Own the global roadmap for CV/APC coatings platforms.
• Align resin systems with customer needs and market trends.
• Monitor product performance and profitability across platforms.

Skills

Product management

Coatings systems

Commercial vehicle/plastics segment experience

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or business

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Global Product Manager (GPM) for Commercial Vehicle & Automotive Plastic Coatings (CV/APC) is responsible for leading the platform roadmap, resin system strategy, and lifecycle performance across all relevant coating technologies and layers. This role ensures Axalta delivers competitive, scalable, and profitable solutions across the CV and APC markets globally. The GPM collaborates cross-functionally to drive platform upgrades, define new product investments, and guide regional alignment on product evolution.

Essential Functions

Platform Strategy & Roadmap Development

• Own the global roadmap for CV/APC coatings platforms (basecoat, clearcoat, primer, etc.)
• Align resin systems and performance specs with customer needs and market trends
• Identify and prioritize opportunities for growth, cost reduction, or complexity optimization

Innovation & Investment Planning

• Align resin systems and performance specs with customer needs and market trends
• Serve as the commercial lead in the early stages of the innovation process, ensuring strong VOC, strategic fit, and value potential
• Support resin and formulation development with clear technical and economic targets

Lifecycle Management & Platform Performance

• Monitor product performance, profitability, and NPP valuation by platform and region
• Drive resin platform transitions and simplification strategies in collaboration with tech and ops
• Influence Existing Product Modification (EPM) project boundaries to ensure regional modifications align with global standards

Cross-Functional & Regional Engagement

• Act as the global voice of CV/APC platform strategy with regional product and program managers
• Partner with technology, marketing, commercial, and operations teams to ensure feasibility and delivery
• Support commercial teams in major customer discussions, RFPs, and product positioning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or business; advanced degree preferred
• 5+ years in product management, coatings systems, or commercial vehicle/plastics segment experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead roadmaps, guide innovation investments, and influence across functions
• Familiarity with Stage-Gate innovation processes and global portfolio governance
• Strong business acumen with ability to link product decisions to platform profitability, growth potential, and operational feasibility

Travel: Moderate global travel expected to support regional alignment, gate reviews, and VOC initiatives.

2 - Professionals (EEO-1 Job Categories-United States of America)