Plant Director

About the role

Wabtec SA is looking for a Plant Director in Gauteng, South Africa, to lead the site's operations and drive its financial performance. The role covers manufacturing, supply chain, sourcing and engineering functions, with responsibility for multiple product lines and assembly activities.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement business strategies and programs to deliver site operating plans, sales, profitability (EBIT), cash flow and project execution.
• Plan, schedule and execute multiple manufacturing and assembly lines to meet on-time delivery and quality targets.
• Drive localization of manufacturing methods and components for key projects, including repairs and overhauls.
• Guide hiring and training, motivate the team, and ensure compliance and safety.
• Engage internally and externally to share milestones, open business opportunities and resolve disputes.
• Lead the site team in preparing the annual operating and financial budget and in executing the operating plan across Commercial, Engineering, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Operations and Support.
• Advise on strategic decisions such as product line viability, go-to-market strategy, make-or-buy, localization and ROI.
• Monitor monthly, quarterly and annual performance against production, sales, profitability, cash flow, OTD, quality and compliance/safety KPIs.
• Maintain site compliance and certifications (Quality, EHS, Cybersecurity, RGPD, IRIS) and local statutory requirements including BBBEE, localization and NIPP regulations.
• Manage the long-term PRASA brake system contract, including commercial negotiations and project profitability.
• Build a high-performance culture, align with unions, and set up a performance management system for the site leadership team.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree (Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial) and/or Engineering, and a degree, diploma or certificate in Project Management.
• 10+ years of proven manufacturing experience, including at least 8 years in Operations Management.
• Experience managing a P&L and leading cross-functional teams to deliver targets.
• Strategic mindset, critical thinking, excellent communication, analytical skills and financial acumen.
• Leadership qualities, stakeholder management and relationship building.