Manufacturing Plant Procurement Manager

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Hitachi Rail is looking for an enthusiastic self-motivated Manufacturing Plant Procurement Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate is comfortable performing a wide range of tasks from administrative to strategic. The position will be based in Batesburg, SC.

This person will lead procurement activities for a manufacturing plant, ensuring supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and supplier performance. They will act as key interface between plant operations and the supply base, aligning local execution with global strategies.

• Own and execute plant procurement strategy aligned with global categories
• Lead site procurement governance, KPIs, and priorities
• Act as single point of accountability towards plant leadership

• Manage procurement of direct materials (electronics, electro‑mechanical components)
• Resolve critical supply issues impacting production
• Ensure material availability (OTIF, shortage mitigation, escalation handling)

• Deliver cost reduction targets (PPV, VA/VE, productivity initiatives)
• Apply should‑costing models to challenge supplier pricing
• Lead Value Engineering initiatives with Engineering:
  • Design simplification & standardization
  • Material optimization
  • Specification alignment
• Drive supplier consolidation and volume leverage
• Support make vs buy decisions and industrial optimization
• Identify cost levers across the supply chain (logistics, MOQ, packaging)
• Promote design‑to‑cost mindset in NPI and product lifecycle

• Manage key suppliers on cost, quality, delivery, performance
• Lead supplier development and recovery plans
• Monitor risks across Tier 1–Tier N supply chain

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Planning
• Support industrialization, NPI, and productivity initiatives
• Ensure suppliers meet technical and operational requirements

• Track KPIs (OTIF, cost, inventory, quality)
• Identify and mitigate supply risks (capacity, financial, geopolitical)

• Ensure compliance with procurement processes and tools
• Lead supplier selection and approval processes
• Promote procurement best practices and continuous improvement

• Minimum of 10 years of procurement experience in a comparable role
• Strong procurement experience in manufacturing/industrial environment
• Experience with electronics and/or electro‑mechanical supply chains
• Proven track record in supplier negotiations and cost reduction
• Strong operational mindset in production-critical environments
• Solid capabilities in cost analysis, supplier management, and problem solving

Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), or Institute of Supply Management (CPSM, or CPM) or another appropriate professional institute or relevant experience.

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Accounting, or a related field; an MBA is preferred.

Hitachi Rail employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including competitive pay, medical, dental and vision insurance, short & long term disability, life & accident insurance, flexible spending accounts, a retirement savings plan, and paid vacation. We also offer a number of work/life programs such as flextime and a variety of training and development opportunities.

EOE - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.