Rail Industry Supply Chain Purchasing / Product Development Leader

Job Description:

Railserve is seeking a Supply Chain Purchasing / Product Development Leader to partner with our Rail Innovation Group and play a pivotal role in developing and sourcing new suppliers to support groundbreaking innovations in the rail industry. This position involves identifying, qualifying, and managing suppliers for new and emerging technologies, product development, working with prototypes, and ensuring alignment with innovation-driven projects and business objectives.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong strategic rail industry sourcing, product development, supplier development, and supply chain management background, with a genuine interest in working with cutting-edge technology. This is an exciting opportunity for a product development/supply chain professional who thrives on building relationships with new suppliers and development partners to foster innovation and ensure a robust supply chain for future-focused projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and assess new suppliers that can support innovative products, materials, and technologies in the rail industry
• Identify the strengths of each supplier in the innovation process, particularly from concepts and ideation to completion of the product.
• Cultivate and oversee relationships with both established and emerging manufacturers, as well as R&D partners, to source innovative solutions
• Conduct market research and benchmarking to identify best-in-class suppliers that align with innovation goals.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, scalability, and sustainability to ensure long-term collaboration
• Work with the innovation team to establish sourcing needs for new projects as they move through the innovation funnel
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and agreements with new suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness, quality, and reliability
• Oversee supplier qualification, audits, and adherence to industry standards and company policies
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure the smooth integration of new suppliers into the current supply chain
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for new suppliers
• Identify and address potential supply chain disruptions related to new suppliers
• Enhance sourcing strategies to improve lead times, cost-effectiveness, and innovation readiness
• Manage initiatives to onboard and effectively scale new suppliers
• Support the development of prototypes and pilot programs by ensuring the timely procurement of materials and components
• Offer supply chain insights and cost analysis for new product development initiatives
• Stay informed about industry trends, new materials, and supply chain innovations that can improve rail technology.
• Experience taking a product through safety certification, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related discipline
• Over 10 years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, or supplier development
• Rail Industry experience
• Demonstrated experience in identifying and managing new suppliers for innovation-driven projects.
• Strong skills in negotiation, analysis, and problem-solving
• Experience with start-ups, new suppliers, innovation groups, or emerging technologies is highly beneficial
• Capability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with various stakeholders
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of supply chain risk management, cost modeling, and sustainable practices.

Pay Range: 157,500.00 - 192,500.00

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, and more!

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.