Job DescriptionWho will you be working with?As the Managing Director of Railroad Friction Products (RFPC), you will partner with a broad cross-functional leadership team including Finance, HR, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, and IT. As the senior-most leader at our
Maxton, NC site, you will also engage regularly with Product Line leadership, corporate functions, customers, unions/social partners, and local regulatory authorities. This role sits within both the Friction & Rubber leadership team and the North America Transit Operations leadership team and plays a critical role in driving enterprise priorities at the site level.
How will you make a difference?As the Managing Director of Railroad Friction Products (RFPC), you will have full accountability for site performance across safety, compliance, operations, financial results, and people leadership. You will set the operational direction of the site, ensuring alignment with business strategy while driving execution excellence across all functions. This role owns the delivery of key performance outcomes including safety, quality, cost, delivery, and cash, while embedding a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. You will operate as the primary decision-maker on site, balancing strategic priorities with daily operational rigor to achieve sustainable results.
What do we want to know about you?- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (Master's degree preferred)
- 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, including multi-functional leadership at scale
- Proven experience with full P&L or site-level financial accountability (CAPEX, OPEX, budgeting, and forecasting)
- Deep expertise in EHS, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management
- Demonstrated track record driving operational excellence through lean transformation, continuous improvement, and digitalization
- Strong experience leading in matrix organizations and influencing senior stakeholders
- Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to drive engagement, performance, and cultural transformation
- Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities using KPI-driven performance management
What will your typical day look like?- Own and lead all aspects of site performance, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cash flow
- Ensure full compliance with EHS, regulatory, and certification requirements; serve as the primary interface with local authorities
- Establish and drive the operational strategy, translating business goals into executable plans across all site functions
- Lead daily operational reviews and performance management routines using KPIs to drive accountability and results
- Partner with Finance to develop, execute, and continuously monitor site financial plans, including budget, forecast, and variance recovery actions
- Own CAPEX planning and execution, ensuring investments drive productivity, safety, and growth outcomes
- Drive continuous improvement through lean methodologies, process optimization, and digital initiatives to improve efficiency and quality
- Ensure effective coordination and alignment across operations, engineering, maintenance, supply chain, and support functions
- Act as the senior escalation point for operational and customer issues, ensuring timely resolution and communication
- Build a high-performance culture by driving employee engagement, accountability, and leadership development
- Partner with HR to lead talent strategy, succession planning, employee relations, and workforce planning
- Maintain strong external relationships with customers, suppliers, unions, and community stakeholders
What about the physical demands of the job?- Frequent presence in a manufacturing/industrial environment with regular floor engagement
- Ability to observe operations, review processes, and interact directly with teams on the shop floor
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
- Periodic travel to other sites, customer locations, and leadership meetings
You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.
While this position is site-based, it may include occasional work at other company locations or attendance at offsites, as agreed to with your manager.
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary range for this role is between $164,900 - $235,000 USD. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors such as training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands, and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus.
More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, is available at mywabtecbenefits.com.
Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.
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QualificationsAdditional InformationOur job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $[redacted]00 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
