Head of Procurement - Direct Materials Americas

Hitachi Rail is looking for an enthusiastic self-motivated Head of Procurement - Direct Materials Americas who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate is comfortable performing a wide range of tasks from administrative to strategic. The position is based in Pittsburgh, PA.

About us:

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organization to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Accountabilities:

• Strategic Sourcing: Develop and execute long-term category strategies for direct materials to drive cost savings, optimize supplier performance, and secure favorable pricing.
• New Product Development (NPD/NPI): Align procurement strategies with engineering and design teams early on to foster supplier involvement, improve timeline efficiency, and manage risk-buy readiness.
• Supplier Management: Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), negotiate complex contract terms, and resolve supplier performance issues through root-cause analysis.
• Risk Mitigation: Develop "should-cost" models, monitor market intelligence, and create resiliency plans to proactively address material shortages, lead times, and single-source vulnerabilities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with operations, finance, and commercial teams to forecast material costs, manage budgets, and align category strategies with broader corporate targets.
• Team Leadership: Coach and mentor junior category managers or sourcing specialists, building departmental capability and driving succession planning. Will manage the performance of 7 or 8 direct reports, conducting regular 1:1 meetings, coaching and mentoring personal development, and provide constructive feedback through appraisals.

Required skills/experience:

• Experience: At least 15 years of progressive experience in direct procurement, strategic sourcing, or commodity management—often within manufacturing, homebuilding, or tech industries.
• Negotiation & Analytics: Strong financial acumen with proven ability to interpret contracts, utilize should-cost analysis, and manage complex supply agreements.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in supply chain and ERP software such as SAP, Oracle, or advanced MS Excel.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional leadership, change management, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively manage relationships with C-suite executives and external suppliers.

Desired:

Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), or Institute of Supply Management (CPSM, or CPM) or another appropriate professional institute or relevant experience.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Accounting, or a related field; an MBA is preferred

Language:

English proficiency

Benefits:

Hitachi Rail employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including Competitive Pay, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Life & Accident Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, a Retirement Savings Plan, and Paid Vacation. We also offer a number of Work/Life Programs such as Flextime and a variety of Training and Development opportunities.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. Join us at www.hitachirail.com/careers

It is our commitment at Hitachi Rail to create a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at Hitachi, please send the nature of request and contact information to hrunitedstates@hitachirail.com. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.

In accordance with the DOT’s FRA and FTA programs, Hitachi’s substance screening program tests pre-employment candidates and current employees, as required for safety-sensitive positions.