Managing Director, RFPC

Who will you be working with?
As the Managing Director of Railroad Friction Products (RFPC), you will partner with a broad cross‑functional leadership team including Finance, HR, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, and IT. You will also engage regularly with Product Line leadership, corporate functions, customers, unions/social partners, and local regulatory authorities. This role sits within both the Friction & Rubber leadership team and the North America Transit Operations leadership team, playing a critical role in driving enterprise priorities at the site level.

How will you make a difference?
As the Managing Director of RFPC you will have full accountability for site performance across safety, compliance, operations, financial results, and people leadership. You will set the operational direction of the site, ensuring alignment with business strategy while driving execution excellence across all functions. You will own the delivery of key performance outcomes including safety, quality, cost, delivery, and cash, while embedding a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

What do we want to know about you?

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)

12+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, including multi‑functional leadership at scale

Proven experience with full P&L or site‑level financial accountability (CAPEX, OPEX, budgeting, and forecasting)

Deep expertise in EHS, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management

Demonstrated track record driving operational excellence through lean transformation, continuous improvement, and digitalization

Strong experience leading in matrix organizations and influencing senior stakeholders

Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to drive engagement, performance, and cultural transformation

Strong analytical and decision‑making capabilities using KPI‑driven performance management

What will your typical day look like?

Own and lead all aspects of site performance, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cash flow

Ensure full compliance with EHS, regulatory, and certification requirements; serve as the primary interface with local authorities

Establish and drive the operational strategy, translating business goals into executable plans across all site functions

Lead daily operational reviews and performance management routines using KPIs to drive accountability and results

Partner with Finance to develop, execute, and continuously monitor site financial plans, including budget, forecast, and variance recovery actions

Own CAPEX planning and execution, ensuring investments drive productivity, safety, and growth outcomes

Drive continuous improvement through lean methodologies, process optimization, and digital initiatives to improve efficiency and quality

Ensure effective coordination and alignment across operations, engineering, maintenance, supply chain, and support functions

Act as the senior escalation point for operational and customer issues, ensuring timely resolution and communication

Build a high‑performance culture by driving employee engagement, accountability, and leadership development

Partner with HR to lead talent strategy, succession planning, employee relations, and workforce planning

Maintain strong external relationships with customers, suppliers, unions, and community stakeholders

What about the physical demands of the job?

Frequent presence in a manufacturing/industrial environment with regular floor engagement

Ability to observe operations, review processes, and interact directly with teams on the shop floor

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required

Periodic travel to other sites, customer locations, and leadership meetings

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this role is between $164,900 and $235,000 USD. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, is available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

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