The Strategic Initiatives Director will drive IW division strategic initiatives that will position the division to deliver long term profitable growth through strategy execution. This role will lead critical global initiatives related to strategy development, market planning, customer experience enhancement, stakeholder alignment, digital strategy and M&A process management. It serves as a key member of the Marketing leadership organization and helps implement the strategy for Industrial Wood. - Lead and manage the annual strategy development/report out process - Lead OP strategic initiatives tracking - Lead Platform and Simplification tracking - Maintain global M&A database and manage target tracking process - Lead M&A synergy/tracking process - Accelerate Color Express adoption at the facility and rep level - Develop digital roadmap strategy - Drive global project management, alignment, and communication for identified priorities Key Activities: Strategy - Lead the regional strategy process to refine gap analysis for targeted segments in each region - Evaluate Segmentation of markets and customers to maximize business opportunities within IWD to define potential new markets to participate in - Prioritize and coordinate strategic imperatives (channel, products, global accounts, pricing, etc.) across regions. - Identify and analyze leading and lagging indicators to forecast future size and growth of IWD markets - M&A analysis and recommendations Process Development - Lead and develop best practices for business processes: ex: stage gate and segment alignment, Global project coordination - Hold accountability for delivering on simplification and platform projects - Lead key strategic projects as defined each strategy cycle: ex: Lab Work Request Process Improvements, Digital Roadmap Support, New Market Exploration, Service Improvement Projects Communications - Effective thought leadership working with Segment and Global Leadership teams. - Communicate key messages throughout the organization and to leadership - Cross functional coordination on business processes including product management and lab. Leadership & Change Management - Focus on overcoming internal barriers in achieving objectives. - Work cooperatively with Management in all Global locations - Lead change management as needed to achieve strategic goals - Effective talent management, development, and succession planning. - Manage limited resources in pursuit of the highest return on investment (ROI) for key projects - Interaction with Technical, Sales, Manufacturing, Human Resources and Finance Directors - Track and report Focus Market-based results and activities. Travel Required: -15% FORMAL EDUCATION Required: - Bachelors Degree in Business, Communications or Chemistry or other related field. Additional coatings experience may offset the degree requirement. Preferred: - Certification or Concertation in Sustainability or Environment Sciences KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE: Required: - Min 5 years of professional experience leading strategic marketing initiatives. Proven ability to manage matrixed organization to drive results - Experience with change management in large organizations Preferred: - Experience within the coatings industry TECHNICAL/SKILL REQUIREMENTS: Required: - Excellent verbal and written communication skills required Preferred: - Past experience with public speaking or media training Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, Inclusion and Diversity Supportive Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, pr