Director, Product Management

It’s not just about your career or job title… It’s about who you are and the impact you will make on the world. Because whether it’s for each other or our customers, we put People First. When our people come together, we Expand the Possible and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you’re in good company. We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone who is ready to move with us.

Who will you be working with?

The mission of the Fleet Innovation & Transformation team is to accelerate fleet transformation by consistently providing compelling solutions and innovative technologies that improve reliability, sustainability, and performance.

How will you make a difference?

The Director – Product Management will be responsible for working with commercial leaders, product managers & engineering globally to drive revenue growth and increased profitability through a comprehensive vital organ product strategy including a focus on product price, cost and configuration. This includes all applications of propulsion batteries as a vital organ used to power locomotives and ownership of the FLX product portfolio (including NYCT work locomotives, FLXDrive & FLXSwitch) as well as future opportunities such as battery hybrid locomotives. In addition, the scope of this role may include other non-battery related products or vital organs as business needs arise. In this role you will help define and support the strategic plan and execute key growth initiatives for the defined technologies. Working closely with other key stakeholders, you will also develop businesses cases showing the growth and profitability potential for Wabtec and our customers.

What do we want to know about you?

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in the areas of Engineering or Business
• Minimum of 5 years of experience Product Management/General Management, Commercial, or Engineering
• Minimum of 3 years industry experience in railroad, battery or energy storage industry with the ability to grasp, explain, and use engineering concepts as applied to railroad operations.
• Experience in dealing effectively with customers at senior and technical levels
• Demonstrated commercial intensity and a relentless drive to win and grow the product line and revenue
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to influence across organizations
• Strong business analysis, problem solving, and strategy development skills
• Must be willing to travel 25%+ of the time

Desired Characteristics:

• Master's in Business Administration or related discipline
• Domain expertise in emerging sustainability technologies for heavy equipment, inclusive of hybrid products & batteries
• Experience leading multi-year technology investment programs
• Experience leading customer/industry engagements
• Familiarity with the industrial technology and railroad industry
• Prior director level Commercial/ Product Management experience

What will your typical day look like?

• Partner with the engineering teams to set overall vital organ strategies for emerging battery, hybrid, and other product technologies that may be included in the scope of this role
• Lead and coordinate with cross functional teams to convert strategic initiatives into well-developed locomotive concepts that achieve customer and business objectives
• Partner with the cross functional teams to perform an analysis of a total locomotive system offering for specific customer applications while also providing a cohesive vision across the locomotive product portfolio to maintain the applicability of battery technology across multiple locomotive products (existing and future)
• Close collaboration with suppliers specializing in lithium-ion battery components and systems, managing technical and commercial communications to ensure supplier capabilities align with product performance, safety, and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include negotiating specifications, monitoring quality and compliance, and driving innovation through supplier partnerships. Experience with battery cell manufacturers, BMS providers, and pack assemblers is highly valued, along with a strong understanding of electrochemical performance, thermal management, and lifecycle considerations.
• Partner with the key stakeholders to balance many different sets of priorities across the customer and/or product requirements that acknowledge technical, schedule and cost constraints
• Translate customer requirements into product concepts that have applicability across multiple locomotive products and regions
• Develop and own business cases for locomotive investments and work with product managers globally to prioritize and layout an investment strategy
• Set overall product life cycle strategies and road maps that optimize profitability while considering product life cycle value propositions
• Be responsible for developing a common cross-product line multi-generational product plan (MGPP) working with each of the product lines to incorporate new technology that reflects customer insight and a clear segment strategy
• Create and maintain good customer relationships – work closely with them to solve their problems
• Set margin targets and establish pricing and cost strategies
• Coordinate and build strong working relations in a matrix organization, including engineering, supply chain, sales, finance, and service
• Collaborate with the marketing team on best entry into the marketplace and develop a go to market strategies