Product Development Technical Director, AC

As Product Development Technical Director for Architectural Coatings Mexico you will lead a team of experts to deliver projects and product launches, focusing on sustainability, AI, innovation, and cost reduction. Managing a portfolio across key product lines, the role ensures alignment with company strategy, drives global initiatives like TiO2 savings, and collaborates with multiple functions and regions by promoting a safety culture while addressing complex challenges with significant autonomy. You will report directly to the Regional Technical Sr Director, AC in Latam and you will be based in Tepexpan plant (Estate of Mexico).

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an inspirational leader to motivate and develop the PPG Mexico Architectural Coatings (AC) technical team, fostering talent growth, promoting a strong safety culture, and managing intellectual property protection including collaboration agreements with external institutions.
• Oversee the execution of the product development pipeline in Mexico by launching new technologies and products that drive growth and sustainability, while supporting the team to meet project timelines fully.
• Lead the customer support pipeline through tools like Compass, managing product launches, secure launch processes, customer influence, specification and qualification testing, regulatory approvals, sustainable product initiatives, application testing, troubleshooting, color matching, formula cost reduction, and complexity reduction of raw materials and finished goods.
• Promote a One PPG mindset by collaborating across functional and business boundaries, working effectively with internal teams, customers, and suppliers, and influencing senior leaders on key strategic matters.
• Drive new ways of working and change management efforts to maintain high levels of employee engagement and retention within the technical team.
• Maintain a strong focus on integrating technology teams to improve productivity and drive continuous growth, while facilitating technology sharing and communication with AC technical directors across different regions.
• Act as a critical contributor alongside business and product management teams to define the technology roadmap and strategic plans for future growth, leading challenging discussions with relevant functions to align priorities.
• Ensure the organization is optimally structured to support customer needs and business goals, efficiently manage lab space within AC Mexico, and lead Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) systems to guarantee a safe working environment where all employees return home safely every day.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's preferred) in Chemistry or related technical/engineering discipline, with a minimum of 12 years of progressive technical leadership experience and at least 5 years in management.
• Proven success in managing complex projects to completion, with strong fluency in AI and automation to drive innovative ways of working.
• Demonstrated authentic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and customer engagement skills across diverse organizational levels.
• Strong strategic planning, financial acumen, independent decision-making, and change management capabilities, supported by conflict management skills.
• English language communication with the ability to inspire teams, engage customers, and effectively interact with senior leadership.
• Experience managing environments involving diverse customers, markets, and technologies; lead and develop virtual teams, with coating industry experience considered a strong advantage.
• This role is fully onsite (Mobility between Tepexpan and Aga manufacturing sites)

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.