Senior Director - Growth & Innovation

It’s not just about your career or job title… It’s about who you are and the impact you will make on the world. Because whether it’s for each other or our customers, we put People First. When our people come together, we Expand the Possible and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you’re in good company. We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone who is ready to move with us.

Summary:

This is an exciting opportunity to join Wabtec’s Digital Intelligence team. By combining decades of industrial leadership with cutting-edge software and digital technologies to create an efficient, productive, and reliable transportation ecosystem, we help railroads, shippers, miners, ports, and terminals enhance safety, unlock productivity, advance sustainability, and create pathways to optimized operations.

This role is part of our Growth & Innovation business unit which focuses on strategic investments and commercialization of new technologies that deliver transformative outcomes in safety, productivity, and efficiency. You will collaborate and work cross-functionally with product managers, engineering, sales, press relations, and corporate communications to expand Wabtec’s presence and success in the market.

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Director of Growth and Innovation to join our team. This role is pivotal in driving our growth strategy in Digital Intelligence, as well as identifying and developing new business opportunities. A key element of growth comes from making sure the existing portfolio and organizational structure is healthy and can identify this and drive key organizational efficiency initiatives in a matrixed organization.  The ideal candidate will have a strong financial competency level, a proven history of identifying and executing on resource optimization, as well as experience in M&A, strategic planning, and business development, with a proven track record of driving efficiency, successful transactions, and business growth. They should feel comfortable wearing many hats.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enhance business efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
• Optimize the company's portfolio by identifying and improving or divesting underperforming assets.
• Execute resource optimization strategies to maximize the utilization of company resources.
• Lead and manage the entire M&A funnel, including target identification, due diligence, negotiation, and close.
• Lead and monitor integration efforts for acquired companies to deliver on the committed business plan and synergies.
• Drive cross-functional opportunity identification, standardization, and rationalization.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to identify and pursue new business opportunities that align with the company's growth objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate potential acquisition targets and develop business cases.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends and opportunities in the industry.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including potential acquisition targets, partners, and industry experts.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the M&A and business development team, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic goals.
• Prepare and present detailed reports and recommendations to senior leadership and the board of directors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in M&A, business development, or a related field.
• Proven track record of leading successful M&A transactions and business development initiatives.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the transportation sector.
• Proficiency in financial analysis and valuation techniques.

Who are we?

Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation, and Faiveley Transport, the company has grown to become One Wabtec, with unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabli