Locomotive Strategy Manager

This role focuses on advancing initiatives to enable profitable growth across global locomotive markets (freight and transit in North America and international regions), new locomotive platforms, modernization programs, fleet maintenance and replacement cycles, locomotive supply chain and manufacturing strategy, and energy transition and sustainability (e.g., emissions reduction, alternative fuels, hybrid/battery technologies). It also supports executive-driven strategic initiatives specific to Progress Rail.

About the Company

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, operating in more than 100 countries. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology and unmatched expertise.

Responsibilities

• Develop actionable strategies to drive growth and profitability across locomotive manufacturing, modernization, and services.
• Analyze fleet trends, customer demand, replacement cycles, and competitive dynamics to inform strategic decisions.
• Partner with commercial, engineering, operations, and services teams to build integrated perspectives on the locomotive business.
• Conduct market and customer analysis across the global rail industry.
• Translate complex data into clear, compelling executive communications, including presentations and strategic updates.
• Develop board-level and leadership materials that influence key decisions on platform investments and market direction.
• Support messaging around locomotive strategy and operations, sustainability initiatives, and customer value propositions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 3–5+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, finance, engineering, supply chain, or industrial operations.
• Proven ability in structured problem-solving and executive communication.
• Experience in transportation, heavy equipment, manufacturing, or rail-related industries.
• Background in strategy consulting or corporate strategy within an industrial company.
• Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and data analysis and visualization tools.

Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect market trends, customer needs, and product strategy with a strong focus on long-term value creation and competitive positioning.
• Executive Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional ability to distill complex information into clear narratives, with experience preparing materials for senior leadership and cross-functional alignment.
• Analytical & Financial Skills: Strong capabilities in financial modeling, scenario planning, and data synthesis, with the ability to integrate multiple data sources into coherent insights.
• Operations & Execution: Understanding of manufacturing, supply chain, and production planning in a capital equipment environment, with experience evaluating trade-offs between cost, schedule, quality, and customer commitments.
• Leadership & Influence: Ability to work across functions and influence without direct authority, comfortable operating in ambiguous environments with strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills.

Work Environment

• Position typically involves office managerial work as well as oversight in an industrial environment.
• Frequently standing, sitting, and walking; occasional light to medium-level lifting (up to 30 pounds).
• Regular office motions as well as standard motions associated with leading and demonstrating in an industrial environment.
• Constant verbal communications, including both talking and hearing.
• Occasional use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• May involve work in a non-temperature-controlled environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting).
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Supplemental accident, critical care, and hospital insurance, along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and time-off (PTO).
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• Education Assistance Program.
• Employee Recognition Programs.
• Site-specific production and incentive plans, step and skill level wage adjustment plans, relocation, and sign-on bonus programs (eligibility varies by position).

Pay

$113,674.92 - $220,523.00