11717BR
PRS Facility Location:
EMD HQ LaGrange, IL - 400
Job Purpose:
The Vice President of Supply Chain - Locomotive Division is a senior leader responsible for defining and leading the end-to-end supply chain strategy for Progress Rail's global locomotive business. This role ensures safe, reliable, cost-competitive, and resilient supply chain execution to support new locomotive production, modernization programs, aftermarket services, and emerging technologies including hybrid and alternative propulsion platforms.
As a member of the Locomotive Operations leadership team, the VP of Supply Chain partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Commercial leaders to deliver on customer commitments while advancing Caterpillar's enterprise priorities for operational excellence, safety, sustainability, and profitable growth.
Req ID:
11717BR
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.
Education / Training:
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline (required).
MBA or advanced degree (preferred).
Job Title:
VP, Supply Chain - Locomotive
City:
La Grange
Key Job Elements:
Enterprise Supply Chain Leadership
Lead the end-to-end supply chain organization, including strategic sourcing, procurement, planning, logistics, inventory management, and risk mitigation.
Translate business and operations strategies into executable supply chain plans that support production readiness, delivery performance, and cost objectives.
Serve as the primary supply chain advisor to the SVP of Operations and Locomotive Division leadership.
Operational Excellence & Results
Ensure material availability and flow across all locomotive programs, minimizing disruption to production and customer deliveries.
Drive disciplined operating rhythms (S&OP / IBP), inventory optimization, and working capital performance.
Establish clear KPIs and accountability for safety, delivery, quality, cost, and cash.
Supplier & Commercial Strategy
Develop and execute long-term sourcing and supplier strategies aligned with locomotive product roadmaps and volume outlooks.
Lead strategic negotiations and supplier partnerships focused on total cost of ownership, capacity assurance, and technology enablement.
Proactively manage supply risk through dual sourcing, localization, and continuity planning.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
Champion a safety-first culture across the supply chain and extended supplier network.
Partner with Quality and EHS leaders to ensure suppliers meet Progress Rail, Caterpillar, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Drive strong supplier quality systems, corrective action discipline, and compliance with global trade and ethics standards.
Transformation & Capability Building
Lead supply chain transformation initiatives, including digital enablement, analytics, and process standardization.
Improve visibility and decision-making through enhanced planning tools, data governance, and performance management.
Drive continuous improvement using Lean, structured problem solving, and best-practice deployment.
Collaboration & Leadership
Work cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Product Management, Finance, and Commercial teams to enable business outcomes.
Build strong alignment between supply chain execution and shop-floor operations.
Represent Supply Chain as a collaborative partner, not a functional silo.
People, Culture & Talent
Build, develop, and retain a high-performing supply chain leadership team.
Establish succession plans and leadership pipelines for critical roles.
Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusion, and continuous development.
Sustainability & Long-Term Value
Advance responsible sourcing, supplier sustainability, and risk-aware procurement practices.
Support Progress Rail and Caterpillar sustainability goals through supply chain decisions and partnerships.
Balance near-term execution with long-term value creation for customers and the enterprise.
Qualifications and Experience:
Experience
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in supply chain, operations, or procurement within complex manufacturing or heavy industrial environments.
Proven experience leading global, multi-site supply chain organizations.
Demonstrated success supporting engineered-to-order or highly regulated products.
Track record of leading transformation and driving measurable operational results.
Leadership Competencies
Integrity: Acts with transparency, ethics, and accountability in all decisions.
Excellence: Relentless focus on results, quality, and continuous improvement.
Teamwork: Builds trust, collaboration, and alignment across functions and regions.
Commitment: Develops people, leads through change, and delivers on promises.
Sustainability: Makes decisions that create long-term value for customers, employees, and communities.
Travel
Approximately 30-40%, domestic and international
Essential and Physical Activities Functions
Strength - Position requires lifting of 50lbs. Requires stamina and strength to work in tight and confined
spaces while installing or repair machinery and components;
Motion -Position requires standing the majority of the day. Frequent walking, squatting, kneeling, and
climbing of steps and stairs;
Vision/Hearing Requirements - Exposed to high levels of noise and vibration from using tools. Position is
exposed to cutting torches and welding operations. The use of proper PPE is required. The Position requires the ability to read QWI and schematics and understand instructions;
Work Environment - Position can be located inside or outside, dependent on situation. When inside, the
employees are subject to temperature extremes in non-temperature-controlled environments. When
outside employees are subject to all weather elements. Employees will work with oils and other lubricants;
Emotional Demands - Expected to work and cooperate as part of team in order to meet production
requirements;
Safety - Position is safety sensitive, as it requires working in and around live tracks and operation and
repair of heavy equipment. Position requires strict adherence to safety policies (i.e., blue flag) and use of all PPE.
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required.
EEO:
Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
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.**
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.
Job Category:
Executive
Work Location Options:
Muncie, IN is a possible location
State::
Illinois
Summary Pay Range:
$150,000 - $265,000
