What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Category Manager - Installation, Civil Works & Site Activities position at Hitachi Rail?
Hitachi Rail is looking for an enthusiastic self-motivated Senior Category Manager 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.
Senior Category Manager – Installation, Civil Works & Site Activities
Role Purpose:
Lead procurement for civil works, installation, and site activities in rail signaling projects, ensuring:
- competitive cost
- reliable contractor performance
- strong delivery on site
The right candidate will possess:
- Strong experience in rail/infrastructure/construction procurement
- Expertise in civil works & installation in North America
- Proven track record in complex project environments
Accountabilities:
1. Category Strategy
- Define sourcing strategy for civil, installation, and site works
- Build a strong NA contractor network (US/Canada)
- Address market constraints (capacity, unions, local requirements)
2. Sourcing & Tendering
- Lead RFQs/RFPs and contractor selection
- Structure competitive bids (lump sum, unit rates, hybrid)
- Align scope with engineering and construction realities
3. Project Procurement Support
- Act as procurement lead in bids and execution
- Support cost build-up and subcontracting strategy
- Ensure solutions are deliverable in real site conditions
4. Supplier & Contractor Management
- Develop and manage key contractors (civil signaling install)
- Track performance: safety, productivity, delivery
- Build long-term partnerships in constrained markets
5. Contracts & Risk
- Negotiate construction contracts
- Manage claims, variations, and risk allocation
- Reduce exposure to cost overruns and disputes
6. Cost & Value Engineering
- Drive:
- installation productivity
- standardization
- cost reduction initiatives
- Challenge over-specification and inefficiencies
7. Market Intelligence
- Monitor contractor capacity, labor costs, and regional trends
- Identify new suppliers and alternative delivery models
Required skills/experience:
- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in Procurement that includes 3-5 years of experience with installation or construction type contracts
- Strong experience in civil works and installation procurement
- Deep knowledge of North American contracting and site constraints
- Strong experience with contract terms and conditions negotiation expertise
- Strong skill, knowledge and experience in complex negotiations, including claims
- Strategic/critical thinking skills, including risk mitigation
- Proven negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- Experience with IT Tools (MS Office, SAP, E-Auctions)
- Procurement Planning Methods experience
- Cost Controlling & Budgeting concepts/basics experience
Education:
Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree
Language:
English
Benefits
Hitachi Rail employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including Competitive Pay, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Long Term Disability, Life & Accident Insurance, 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
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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.