Operations Excellence Leader

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.

Role Summary

The Operations Excellence Leader will be responsible for driving step-change improvements in manufacturing by leading initiatives across technology transfer, digitization & automation, special projects, production line optimization, and continuous improvement (CI). This role is critical to accelerating our growth trajectory, building competitive advantage, and ensuring sustainable operational excellence. This role will cut across multiple manufacturing sites across the region.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technology Transfer (TOT)

• Coordinate the transfer of new technologies and processes from global and regional centers to local manufacturing sites. Possess experience managing complex technology transfers that involve detailed manufacturing procedures.
• Standardize best practices, ensuring successful industrialization of new products and processes.
• Partner with engineering, R&D, and global operations teams to enable smooth product launches.

2. Digitisation & Automation

• Develop and implement a digitisation roadmap for manufacturing, including data analytics, IoT, and digital dashboards.
• Drive automation initiatives across assembly, machining, and testing to improve productivity, safety, and quality.
• Machinery productivity and lifecycle assessment in the plant.
• Evaluate new digital tools and automation technologies, ensuring scalability and ROI.

3. Special Projects

• Lead high-impact, cross-functional projects aligned with business priorities (capacity expansion, layout optimization, greenfield/brownfield initiatives).
• Act as program manager to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.

4. Line & Shopfloor Excellence

• Partner with plant managers to optimize line balancing, throughput, and equipment utilization.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste and improve OEE.
• Drive safety, quality, and productivity culture on the shop floor.

5. Continuous Improvement (CI)

• Build and lead a culture of CI using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Establish performance metrics and ensure regular reviews to track improvements.
• Train and coach teams on problem-solving and structured improvement tools.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, or related field.
• 20+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, operational excellence, or program leadership, ideally in rolling stock, automotive, aerospace, or medium to heavy engineering.
• Proven track record in complex TOT’s, digitization, automation, and lean transformations.
• Strong project/program management skills with cross-functional leadership experience.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Industry 4.0 tools and certifications preferred.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and change management skills.

For TA team and our assessment criteria:

1. Strategic & Systems Thinker

• Sees the bigger picture beyond the factory floor — understands how technology transfer, automation, and CI link to business growth and profitability.
• Can balance long-term transformation with short-term delivery.

2. Change Leadership & Influence

• Strong ability to lead people through change (technology adoption, digital tools, automation).
• Skilled in influencing without authority across functions and geographies.
• Builds trust quickly with shopfloor teams and executives alike.

3. Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Naturally challenges the status quo; looks for better, faster, safer ways to work.
• Has a data-driven problem-solving approach but also pragmatic enough to deliver quick wins.

4. Technical Curiosity & Agility

• Keen learner, stays updated on Industry 4.0, digitization, automation, and lean tools.
• Able to assess technology fit for a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment.

5. Execution & Program Management Discipline

• Strong at structuring complex projects, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring flawless execution.
• Demonstrates resilience under pressure and drives closure.

6. Cross-Cultural Collaboration

• Must be comfortable working with diverse cultures and driving consistency across geographies.

7. Communication & Storytelling Skills

• Simplifies complex technical topics into clear, actionable insights.
• Inspires teams to adopt change, rather than just enforce it.

8. Entrepreneurial Ownership

• Acts like a business owner, not just a function owner.
• Balances cost, quality, delivery, and innovation with an eye on P&L impact.

Who are we?

Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation, and Faiveley Transport, the company has grown to become One Wabtec, with unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems.

Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress and unlocks our customers’ potential by delivering innovative and lasting transportation solutions that move and improve the world. We are lifelong learners obsessed with making things better to drive exceptional results. Wabtec has approximately 27K employees in facilities throughout the world. Visit our website to learn more! http://www.WabtecCorp.com