Rail Industry Supply Chain Purchasing / Product Development Leader

Prior Labs; Texas (TX); Remote; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the rail industry is seeking a Supply Chain Purchasing / Product Development Manager. This remote position will play a crucial role in developing and sourcing suppliers that support innovation in rail technologies. The candidate will possess strong experience in supply chain management, particularly within the rail sector, and must be skilled in negotiation, analysis, and building relationships to foster a robust supplier network supporting future-focused projects.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, or supplier development.
• Rail Industry experience.
• Experience with start-ups, new suppliers, or emerging technologies is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess new suppliers for innovative products and materials.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with new suppliers.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to integrate new suppliers.

Skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Analysis

Communication

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business

Job description

Railserve, US

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway- you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.

Position: Supply Chain Purchasing / Product Development Manager

Railserve / Innovation Group collaboration

Reporting to: President, Railserve / Marmon Rail Group

Must have relevant Rail industry supply chain experience

Remote USA WFH remote role with travel as necessary

Job Summary:

Railserve is seeking a Supply Chain Purchasing / Product Development Leader to partner with our Rail Innovation Group and play a pivotal role in developing and sourcing new suppliers to support groundbreaking innovations in the rail industry. This position involves identifying, qualifying, and managing suppliers for new and emerging technologies, product development, working with prototypes, and ensuring alignment with innovation-driven projects and business objectives.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong strategic rail industry sourcing, product development, supplier development, and supply chain management background, with a genuine interest in working with cutting-edge technology. This is an exciting opportunity for a product development/supply chain professional who thrives on building relationships with new suppliers and development partners to foster innovation and ensure a robust supply chain for future-focused projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and assess new suppliers that can support innovative products, materials, and technologies in the rail industry
• Identify the strengths of each supplier in the innovation process, particularly from concepts and ideation to completion of the product.
• Cultivate and oversee relationships with both established and emerging manufacturers, as well as R&D partners, to source innovative solutions
• Conduct market research and benchmarking to identify best-in-class suppliers that align with innovation goals.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, scalability, and sustainability to ensure long-term collaboration
• Work with the innovation team to establish sourcing needs for new projects as they move through the innovation funnel
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and agreements with new suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness, quality, and reliability
• Oversee supplier qualification, audits, and adherence to industry standards and company policies
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure the smooth integration of new suppliers into the current supply chain
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for new suppliers
• Identify and address potential supply chain disruptions related to new suppliers
• Enhance sourcing strategies to improve lead times, cost-effectiveness, and innovation readiness
• Manage initiatives to onboard and effectively scale new suppliers
• Support the development of prototypes and pilot programs by ensuring the timely procurement of materials and components
• Offer supply chain insights and cost analysis for new product development initiatives
• Stay informed about industry trends, new materials, and supply chain innovations that can improve rail technology.
• Experience taking a product through safety certification, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related discipline
• Over 10 years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, or supplier development
• Rail Industry experience
• Demonstrated experience in identifying and managing new suppliers for innovation-driven projects.
• Strong skills in negotiation, analysis, and problem-solving
• Experience with start-ups, new suppliers, innovation groups, or emerging technologies is highly beneficial
• Capability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with various stakeholders
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of supply chain risk management, cost modeling, and sustainable practices.

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law .

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [e-mail], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.