Plant Director Wabtec SA

What do we want to know about you?

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial), and/or Engineering

Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Project Management

Experience:

• 10+ years of proven experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 8 years Operations Management Experience.
• Experience managing a P&L, responsible for Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Engineering and Supply Chain functions.
• Proven experience in mature Operations Management leading cross functional teams to achieve and deliver of set targets

Scope and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement effective business strategies and programs to deliver on site operating plans and financial performance: Project execution, Sales, Profitability/EBIT, Cashflow
• Direct the planning, scheduling and overall project execution of multiple manufacturing/product lines and assembly activities to ensure on time delivery and quality to customers
• Drive localization of manufacturing methods (inhouse & at 3rd parties) and components for key projects, including repairs and overhauls
• Guide the hiring and training of staff; monitor and motivate the team to build a high performance organization and increase staff productivity, as well as ensuring robust site compliance practices and safety.
• Leading engagements with internal (Product lines, BU headquarters, Global functions) and external (customers, partners, suppliers) to communicate project progress milestones, unlock business opportunities, resolve problems areas and disputes

Responsibilities will involve but not limited to:

• Lead the site management team in developing the annual operating and financial budget, and ensure full alignment with respective Wabtec global product lines and functions
• Lead the site management team in developing strategies and actions to deliver on the operating plan and drive the day-to-day cross functional execution across Commercial, Engineering, Sourcing, Supply chain, Operations and Support functions to deliver on the set performance targets
• Guide the business on key strategic decisions including Product lines or Projects viability in the market, go to market strategies, Make or Buy, ToP/ToT, Localization requirements and optimization to ensure appropriate return on investment
• Review and manage site monthly/quarterly/annual performance across all key KPI’s including Production metrics, Sales, Profitability/EBIT, Cashflow; customer metrics such as OTD and Quality; and compliance/safety.
• Ensure site compliance and certifications in line with Wabtec Company standards, statutory regulations, and all relevant industry standards certifications (Quality, EHS, Cybersecurity, RGPD, IRIS)
• Understand and apply local statutory compliance requirements and guidelines including BBBEE compliance, Localization and Local Content regulations, NIPP regulations to ensure Wabtec’s credibility and reputation are maintained with all stakeholders.

• Ensure robust project management of the long term PRASA brake system contract by building strong relations with the customer(s), global suppliers/partners, Wabtec product lines and global functions, and the regional Wabtec leadership team to effectively manage all project related matters and commercial negotiations, ensuring acceptable project profitability
• Develop and implement commercial and operational strategies to manage through the prevailing global supply chain constraints and hyperinflation cycles
• Drive site culture transformation to build a high-performance organization, attracting-developing-retaining-promoting a highly motivated workforce and talent, including strong management and alignment with Union(s) to ensure business sustainability and profitability.
• Set the vision, empower, support, and motivate the site leadership team around full ownership and accountability for their areas/functions, deliverables, decision making, and management/development of their teams.
• Develop a strong performance management system for the site leadership team and broader staff to ensure regular progress reviews, feedback/coaching, corrective development actions, and support mechanisms.
• In cooperation with the regional leadership, drive One Wabtec strategy in the region

Person Specification

• Strategic mindset to set the business vision/direction and innovate
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills (internal & external)
• Deep knowledge of business functions & cross functional inter dependencies
• Exceptional analytical skills & financial acumen to develop & manage budgets, performance, productivity.
• Strong leadership qualities including people development, influencing, and drive accountability
• Relationship building & stakeholder management (interpersonal skills)

Legal authorization to work in the South Africa is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. 

*Please note that we do not accept agency candidate submissions without a formalized agreement with Talent Acquisition. If you are an agency/third party Recruiter and have not been engaged by Wabtec for this search, we do not owe you a fee if you submit a candidate to the applicant tracking system that is ultimately hired. 

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
 

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

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.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.