VP, Operations Leader SSA at Wabtec Corporation

Role Summary/Purpose

• The VP for Services will be responsible for the P&L and execution of service obligations for locomotive service agreements across South Africa, Guinea, Mozambique, Angola & Liberia. This is a $150M annual turnover business.

Essential Responsibilities

• Achieve business financial targets, responsible for the revenue, profitability and cash collection for region contracts.
• Participate in development and lead the execution of the Services growth strategy for SSA
• Assure timely resolution of customer issues and customer satisfaction
• Responsible for building strong long-term relationships with key customers and industry stakeholders within SSA.
• Lead complete field resource management efforts.
• Support all operations and maintenance operational processes.
• Provide accurate and timely information to assigned personnel regarding salary planning, performance appraisals, career coaching and disciplinary action as required.
• Lead efforts to ensure customer service excellence for assigned customers.
• Lead service engineering to accomplish effective support of region customer service objectives.
• Manage cost control, quality, and operations-oriented customer communications.
• Implement Operation Safety Policy Instructions, conduct field work in compliance with local EHS policies and applicable regulations and encourage good employee safety practices.
• Participate and lead business Lean processes.
• Interface regularly with commercial team to review the progress of growth initiatives and participate in the development of new service offerings.

Desired Characteristics

• Business and finance acumen.
• MBA degree.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Commercial experience with government customers
• Experience in managing multi-year service agreements, Rail industry a bonus
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead programs / projects.
• Additional language skills such as French and Portuguese are advantageous.
• Established project management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited university or college.
• Minimum of 5 years P&L leadership experience
• Experience in people leadership roles covering multiple countries across the SSA region.
• Fluent in English language (writing, reading, speaking, listening).
• Demonstrated experience in a matrix international organization
• Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise legally authorized to work in South Africa at the time of application.
• This position requires frequent domestic and international travel, extended periods of standing, walking, and other activities associated with field-based work.
• Candidates must be medically fit and capable of performing the inherent physical requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, where applicable.
• Appointment may be subject to verification of work authorization and, where permitted by law and relevant to the role, a medical fitness assessment.

Additional Information
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.