Role Overview
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 with Product Line leadership, corporate functions, customers, unions/social partners, and local regulatory authorities. This role sits within the Friction & Rubber leadership team and the North America Transit Operations leadership team and drives enterprise priorities at the site level.
Responsibilities
- Maintain full accountability for site performance across safety, compliance, operations, financial results, and people leadership.
- Set the operational direction of the site and ensure alignment with business strategy while driving execution excellence across all functions.
- Deliver key performance outcomes including safety, quality, cost, delivery, and cash, while embedding a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Operate as the primary decision-maker on site, balancing strategic priorities with daily operational rigor to achieve sustainable results.
- Lead all aspects of site performance, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cash flow; drive performance management using KPIs.
- Coordinate with Finance to develop, execute, and monitor site financial plans (budget, forecast, variance recovery).
- Own CAPEX planning and execution to drive productivity, safety, and growth outcomes.
- Drive continuous improvement through lean methodologies, process optimization, and digital initiatives to improve efficiency and quality.
- Provide cross-functional alignment across operations, engineering, maintenance, supply chain, and support functions.
- Serve as the senior escalation point for operational and customer issues, ensuring timely resolution and communication.
- Foster a high-performance culture through 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.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a 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 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.
Physical Demands
- 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.
Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met. Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. This opening is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen and fitness for duty test where applicable.
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