Transformation Program Manager

We are a leading manufacturer of railway vehicles serving customers across the United States and Canada. Our mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative rail solutions that drive the future of sustainable transportation. As part of our continuous improvement journey, we are accomplishing a comprehensive transformation program to strengthen operational performance, enhance productivity, and drive sustainable, profitable growth across our North American sites.

The Transformation Program Manager is responsible for driving and coordinating the execution of the North American Growth and Profit Transformation program, ensuring the consistent delivery of measurable operational and financial results.

Reporting directly to the CEO and CFO of SMO North America and working closely with the regional executive management team, this role leads target setting and runs multiple workstreams focused on operational excellence, process improvement, and organizational effectiveness. You are a hands-on, impact-driven program leader with exceptional program management, change leadership, and engagement skills.

We're proud to be Great Place to Work certified—a reflection of our commitment to creating an environment where innovation thrives and every voice matters. Apply today and be part of shaping the future with us
What your day-to-day will look like:

• Program Leadership: Lead the execution of a multi-site transformation program focused on improving productivity, quality, delivery performance, and cost efficiency.
• Program Management: Plan, structure, and oversee multiple workstreams with defined landmarks, deliverables, critical metrics, and governance mechanisms.
• Target Setting & Benchmark Management: Define and monitor operational and financial performance targets, ensuring alignment and accountability across sites.
• Operational Excellence: Drive the implementation of standardized processes, improved workflows, and efficiency initiatives across Sacramento, Lexington, and Pittsburgh.
• Change Program Delivery: Lead the execution of change initiatives that enhance performance, collaboration, and employee engagement.
• Interdisciplinary Leadership: Coordinate and motivate cross-functional teams spanning engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and support functions.
• Data-Driven Improvement: Use data and performance analysis to identify issues, set priorities, and measure impact.
• Change Management: Develop and implement structured change management plans to support adoption of new systems, tools, and practices.
• Governance & Reporting: Maintain effective governance structures, regular progress reviews, and transparent reporting to the CEO and executive team.
• Culture of Excellence: Promote a growth mindset, continuous improvement, and accountability across all levels of the organization.

To thrive in this role, you have:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical subject area required. MBA preferred or equivalent management experience.
• 10+ years of experience in program or project management within manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Proven success leading operational improvement and change programs across multiple sites.
• Strong program management skills with the ability to coordinate sophisticated, cross-functional initiatives and handle competing priorities.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams and driving measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and delivery.
• International work experience and ability to operate optimally in a multicultural, matrixed organization.
• Rail industry experience in North America strongly preferred.

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and process optimization.
• Highly organized, thorough, and data-driven, with a focus on measurable outcomes.
• Strong communication, leadership, and partner management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through change and deliver tangible operational results.
• Proficiency in project and performance management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, Power BI, etc.).
• Growth mindset with a collaborative and results-oriented approach.

Why Join Us:

• Lead the delivery of a high-impact operational change and improvement program across North America.
• Work directly with the CEO and executive management team to strengthen performance and competitiveness.
• Play a pivotal role in driving measurable operational and cultural transformation.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and long-term career growth opportunities.