Website Wabtec Corporation
At Wabtec, we help our customers overcome their toughest challenges by delivering rail and industrial solutions that improve safety, efficiency and productivity.
The Plant Director (Transit business) leads the site’s operational, financial, and strategic performance. This includes full responsibility for manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, sourcing, and support functions, ensuring product quality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. The role owns the site P&L and drives continuous improvement.
A key priority is executing business strategies that meet annual goals for sales, EBIT, cashflow, on‑time delivery, and quality. The Director leads cross‑functional teams, drives manufacturing localization, ensures regulatory compliance (BBBEE, Localization, NIPP), and oversees major long‑term projects such as the PRASA brake system program.
The role requires strong leadership to build a high‑performance culture, develop talent, ensure safety, and maintain effective relationships with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders.
What do we want to know about you?
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering
Diploma/Certificate in Project Management
Experience
10+ years in industrial manufacturing, including 8 years in Operations Management
Proven P&L management across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Engineering
Track record of leading cross‑functional teams to meet operational targets
Person Specification
Strategic and innovative thinker
Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
Excellent communication abilities
Deep understanding of key business functions and interdependencies
Strong analytical and financial management skills
Effective leadership with focus on people development and accountability
Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills
What will your typical day look like?
Drive strategies and daily execution across Commercial, Engineering, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Operations, and Support functions
Review monthly/quarterly/annual performance across KPIs (Production, Sales, EBIT, Cashflow, OTD, Quality, Compliance)
Ensure site compliance with company standards, legal regulations, and industry certifications (Quality, EHS, Cybersecurity, RGPD, IRIS)
Manage local statutory requirements (BBBEE, Localization, NIPP) to maintain corporate credibility
Oversee the PRASA brake system project, ensuring strong customer relations, supplier coordination, and acceptable profitability
Develop strategies to address supply chain constraints and inflation impacts
Build a high‑performance culture, ensuring talent development, retention, and constructive union relationships
Empower and support the site leadership team with clear accountability and decision‑making authority
Partner with regional leadership to advance the One Wabtec strategy
Apply via company website ( N / A ) or
careers.wabtec.com