Global Business Director, Optical Materials

Overview

The Global Business Director, Optical Materials, will lead the Optical and Dye business within the Specialty Products business unit.

The role is responsible for developing and executing strategic plans, delivering sales and profit growth while driving a high‑performing team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all commercial aspects of the Optical and Dye business, including sales, new business development, new product development, technical service, and segment strategy.
• Accountable for Revenue, EBIT, EBIT Growth and Return on Invested Capital.
• Define and implement a strategic plan that delivers profitable growth, improves the competitive position of the business, and sets it up for long‑term success based on market, customer and macro trend insights.
• Work with strategic marketing to develop portfolio management, product line and growth roadmaps.
• Develop product portfolio strategy, identify growth opportunities from new products and new markets, and collaborate with Science & Technology (S&T) and marketing to execute product roadmaps and growth plans.
• Drive a strong new product development (NPD) process, centered around:
• Proving improved performance vs Next Best Alternative (NBA).
• Quantifying value advantages and disadvantages vs NBA.
• Demonstrating performance in the customer’s end product and manufacturing process.
• Profitably grow the business by creating a robust sales and profit plan with specific actions for key customers.
• Drive implementation and adoption of PPG’s commercial excellence program (Selling Machine) to enhance customer relationships, develop robust sales pipelines, and achieve steady new business wins.
• Develop and execute pricing strategies to meet or exceed segment profit plans.
• Identify growth barriers and work with stakeholders (e. g., manufacturing, supply chain) to develop plans to overcome them and seize opportunities in under‑represented geographic regions.
• Provide direction and market intelligence to the monthly sales forecasting process; address forecasting accuracy issues and drive adoption of the IBP process within the commercial organization.
• Support manufacturing by optimizing the product portfolio for operational excellence, translating long‑term growth plans into capital‑efficient capacity plans, and prioritizing customers and products for highest output/lowest cost production.
• Establish and cultivate relationships with key customers and relevant industry associations at all levels.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team, promoting the PPG Way behaviors of setting direction, developing diverse talent, building effective teams, and preparing succession plans.
• Supervise recruitment, training, and development of the commercial team.
• Ensure resource deployment aligns with strategy.
• Manage the engagement process to continuously improve team engagement metrics through Gallup surveys.
• Financial and Organizational Dimensions
• Annual Sales: ~$150MM
• Personnel Managed: 7
• Geography: Global
• Position Requirements
• Education: B. S. degree in business, chemical engineering, or a related field; MBA strongly preferred.
• Experience: 12+ years in diverse roles with demonstrated commercial success, career progression, and high‑performing team leadership; sales experience preferred.
• Expertise Areas: Business Development, P&L Management, Marketing, Sales, Product Management.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Other incentives may apply.
• Equal Opportunity Statement

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees.

We welcome applicants regardless of sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the above categories.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg. com.

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