Director, Communications - Global Operations and Public Affairs

Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for freight and transit rail. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation and Faiveley Transport, the company has unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems. Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress, creating transportation solutions that move and improve the world. Wabtec has approximately 27,000 employees in facilities throughout the world. Visit the company’s new website at: http://www.WabtecCorp.com.

It’s not just about your career… or your job title…it’s about who you are and the impact you are going to make on the world. Do you want to go into uncharted waters…do things that haven’t been done to make yours and someone else's life better? Wabtec has been doing that for decades and we will continue to do so! Through our people, leadership development, services, technology and scale, Wabtec delivers better outcomes for global customers by speaking the language of industry.

Who will you be working with?

As the Director of Communications - Global Operations and Public Affairs, you will be responsible for fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, collaborating with senior leadership, driving engagement, and disseminating important information effectively at all levels, while helping influence key outcomes for the business. You will collaborate with key sites and the Government Relations team.

How will you make a difference?

This role will be instrumental in shaping the culture and narrative for our global operations team, and the supplier ecosystem that supports Wabtec’s ability to revolutionize the way the world moves for future generations. You will also work to advance Wabtec’s reputation as a reliable partner and leader in operational excellence driving safe and sustainable practices at local, state, and national levels.

What do we want to know about you?

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field. Master's degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or related roles, preferably in operations or industrial sectors. 
• Proven track record in developing and executing communication strategies, crisis management, media relations, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. 
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills. 
• Proven ability to break down siloes and collaborate across geographies and business groups to drive effective solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities; including editing, proofreading and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in next gen communications tools, including social media platforms and analytics tools. 
• Experience working in a global or multi-site environment is a plus. 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience working in a highly matrixed organization with a mindset to bring frugal innovative solutions to break through the noise and break down organizational siloes.
• Ability to effectively interact at all levels of the organization, from c-suite executives to all other employment segments.
• Clear, big picture thinker, with the ability to see and drive change tied to specific outcomes that align with business / client goals.
• Excellent project manager with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet aggressive deadlines with high standards of quality.
• Ability to rethink and manage Global Operations All-Hands meetings, placement in external conferences, Media and creation and development of a clear LinkedIn content strategy
• Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, influential communications.
• Experience working with Labor Relations, EHS, Quality and Sourcing to advance the organization’s imperatives
• Ability to influence outcomes through effective messaging and change management strategies.

Other:

• Ability to travel to site locations as needed (~20-30% of time).
• Pittsburgh Based

What will your typical day look like?

1. Develop Strategic Communication Plans:  

Collaborate with senior management to design and implement communication strategies aligned with operational objectives, safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. Identify mechanisms to flow the messaging to all levels of the organization. 
 
2. Media and Public Affairs:  

Cultivate and maintain relationships with operations media outlets, industry influencers, and stakeholders. Coordinate press releases, manage