What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Operations Strategy and Execution position at Progress Rail?
Job Purpose
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior operations leaders, helping translate vision into action by ensuring operational discipline, project and initiative alignment, and executive-level readiness across the organization. Assist in setting strategic and operational objectives and then work with operations leaders to implement and execute those objectives.
Req ID
11188BR
City
Muncie
State:
Indiana
Company Description
Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.
Key Job Elements
- Strategic Project Management: Lead cross-functional initiatives aligned with the operations leader’s priorities, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and KPIs are met. Track progress, remove barriers, and escalate risks with clear recommendations.
- Operational Rhythm & Business Cadence: Coordinate planning cycles, monthly business reviews, performance tracking, and key executive touchpoints. Ensure the leader and their staff are prepared, aligned, and outcomes focused.
- Accountability Partner: Serve as the connection across teams, following up on commitments, surfacing delays, and driving resolution. Hold teams accountable while enabling collaboration and transparency.
- Executive Readiness: Develop high-quality materials, dashboards, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. Synthesize complex data and narratives into concise insights to support decision-making.
- Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving: Support lean initiatives, digital operations transformation, and process optimization efforts. Apply operations acumen to analyze root causes and recommend actionable solutions.
- Leader Enablement: Anticipate needs, manage incoming requests, and function as a sounding board to help the operations leader maintain strategic focus in a fast-moving, high complexity environment.
Education / Training
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, supply chain, business, or related field (Master’s or MBA a plus)
Qualifications and Experience
- 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, industrial operations, or related areas
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional projects and influencing without authority.
- Strong communication and executive presence; can confidently prepare and present to senior leaders.
- Analytical thinker with excellent attention to detail and the ability to simplify complexity.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities with autonomy, discretion, and sound judgment.
- High level of discretion and professionalism; able to manage sensitive matters with confidentiality
- Exposure to lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or digital operations preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage change, and deliver measurable business results.
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional projects and influencing without authority.
- Proven adaptability and willingness to relocate for rotational assignments.
- Global or multi-site operational experience is a plus.
Essential and Physical Activities Functions:
- Strength – Position typically involves work in an office environment with occasional visits to an industrial
- Motion – Position regularly requires standard motions associated with working in an office environment;
- Vision/Hearing Requirements – Frequent verbal communications, including both talking and hearing;
- Work Environment – Position is typically located in an office environment with occasional visits to an
- Emotional Demands – Very high level of responsibility. Must be able to coordinate diverse aspects of a
- Safety – This is not a safety sensitive position, but may occasionally require the use of Personal Protective
Benefits
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**
**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.
- Competitive Salary
- 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time-Off (PTO)
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Education Assistance Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
- Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
- Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
- Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.
EEO
Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
Job Category
Executive
PRS Facility Location
Muncie, IN Locomotive - 293