Plant Director at Wabtec Corporation

• 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