GSTC Application & Test Support Manager

Responsible for continued oversight of the Global PMC training and application facility Middlesbrough in the UK, creation of new US application and training facility along with new Global application team see attached PowerPoint slide. Connected to this will be in increase in headcount in the US. Diarmuid will still be responsible for the intake of new projects and coordination of the team/ logistics / 3rd party availability & witnessing application/testing. This role is split between home office administrative work and practical on-site work. With the opening of the new Middlesbrough facility the scope of work will now include PC sample panel preparation for testing and certification.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES/CORE ACTIVITIES:

• Global PMC training & application facility - Bowes Road Middlesbrough Units 6D (storage room, conference room, kitchen, cloakroom/bathrooms) & 6C (spray booth, office, paint storage cabinets, work benches & hand application area)
  • EHS - work closely with UK & I Field Safety Manager to ensure that we continue to meet all current requirements.
  • Maintenance of all fixed and mobile equipment within the facility.
  • Ensure adequate training of PPG staff working at the facility along with induction of visitors to the facility.
  • Facility kept clean and tidy, hire of a cleaner via BRE (Unit 6D only)
  • Responsible for
    • Booking of the facility.
    • Supplies.
    • Catering
• Items placed in the storage room are logged & correctly positioned and do not block Exits.
• Creation of US facility to mirror the UK site
• Primarily supports field/customers with new business launch activities within US and the Americas with occasional travel to other regions.
• Effectively communicates with other functions, senior managers and customers.
• Supervises the global application team.
  • Goal setting in accordance with the GSTC mission plan.
  • Manage activities within Workday.
  • Approval of team holidays.
  • Develops and engages the team/team building.
  • Approval of expenses & ensure PPG policies are followed.
  • Approval of travel, this team can travel globally.
  • Accuracy of the applied coating thicknesses/attention to detail.
  • Project management.
• Plans, directs, and executes projects.
• Works closely with the development laboratory relating to new product developments & their application properties, ultimately signing off on new product development application properties prior to launch.
• Solve problems and identify root cause(s)
• Creation & maintenance of test specimen application guidelines
• Approves project application reports and stores final version on GSTC SharePoint - Inspection of specimen condition, correct batch numbers & products to be applied, ensure all products have been stored correctly, rejecting if required and stopping the application when needed. Likewise rejecting substandard specimen samples and preparation which does not meet industry requirements.
• Ensure that the team is correctly trained and qualified to operate equipment/handling of products and that safety protocols are followed.
• Ensure that 3rd party testing is completed on time and within budget (measure 90% OTIF)
• Coordination with 3rd party testing and certification institutes to ensure timelines are met.
  • Booking of application facilities
  • Ordering of test sample pieces
  • PPG logistics - delivery of equipment & materials required for each project (materials can be shipped for example from China to UK - customs clearance often must be handled within this team).
  • Booking of test dates to fall in line with the application dates.
  • Preparation of risk assessments
• Keep up to date on safety aspects especially reading of material safety data sheets to ensure that correct PPE is used by the team.
• Maintenance & calibration of the team's equipment
  • Graco XM 70 PFP, WIWA 333, Graco Mark V - with such tight project timelines we cannot afford for these machines to be out of action. Keep essential spare parts in stock.
  • Inspection equipment such as Elcometer 456, Elcometer 319 etc.
• Assist with PPG & customer application training & demonstrations on new product launches.
• Witnessing of tests, authority & capability to stop the test should it not be going to plan - these tests are often 20k Euros with some over 50k and no time to reach out to higher management.
• Apart from the practical applications carried out by this team there are other home office-based tasks that are managed by this position.
  • Project tracking, progress monitoring and chasing internally and external.
  • Maintenance and renewal of existing certificates, database updates & purchase orders.
  • Writing detailed application reports (recording batch numbers, climatic conditions, applied thicknesses per day etc.)
  • Involved with and understand the coating specifications to be applied, product application characteristics/requirements along with prescribed over coating and curing times.
  • Able to calculate quantity of coatings required to complete the application allowing for loss. Thereafter manage and control stock - ordering additional well in advance to prevent project delays.
  • Assist with the upkeep of database repositories such as SharePoint & MARCOM (5000+ existing test reports & certificates)
  • Checking of 3rd Party Test Reports & certifications and discussing with the third parties' alterations
  • Following "P GSTC 01 B Product Testing & Certification Procedure" in handling new requests for testing & certification received via shared e-mail inbox & keeping the project tracker up to date on the SharePoint.
  • Placing purchase requisitions on e-Buy in line with the approved budget sheet

• Main contact for 3rd party test & certification organizations
• Close interaction with Product Managers, R & D laboratories, Key Account Managers
• Running COMPASS Validation Plan & involved in the creation & update of the 24 plans, gathering lab reports and data for COMPASS meetings gate review for product launch.
• Attend relevant industry meetings such as ASFP, BIMCO, NACE.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience of managing a team
• Benchmarks, removes barriers and drives continuous improvement.
• Able to set priorities & work on own initiative with little supervision.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks/projects concurrently/project management
• Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good practical aptitude relating to operating machinery such as spray equipment/ compressors/hand tools used for coating application as well as inspection equipment.
• Good inspection knowledge of surface preparation mainly mild steel (pre-blast inspection, dressing of the steel, surface profile, blast standard...)
• Good level of computer competence using software programs Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook & SharePoint, database creation & data analysis
• Broad knowledge of coatings & main products.
• Safe working practice - knowledge of/know where to find details for each application site - risk assessment before application commences.
• Quick at learning & adapting to new test protocols.
• Effectively communicates with other functions, senior managers and customers.
• Ability to mentor and counsel new professionals, and junior leaders.
• Leads cross-functional collaborations.
• Global Perspective
• Business and Financial Acumen
• Negotiating & communication skills with third party testing laboratories, notified bodies & class societies.
• Based in the UK with occasional global travel required.

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.