Locomotive Strategy Manager

This role focuses on advancing initiatives to enable profitable growth across:
• Global locomotive markets (freight and transit across North America and international regions)
• New locomotive platforms, modernization programs, and fleet maintenance and replacement cycles
• Locomotive supply chain, operations and manufacturing strategy and operations
• Energy transition and sustainability (e.g., emissions reduction, alternative fuels, hybrid/battery technologies)
• Executive-driven strategic initiatives specific to Progress Rail

As a Locomotive Strategy Manager, you will combine deep analytical capabilities with strong executive storytelling to shape decisions and clearly communicate strategies that drive growth across the locomotive business.

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. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Supply Chain or related field required;

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Locomotive Strategy Manager

La Grange

• 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

• 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 PowerPoint, Excel, and data analysis and visualization tools
• Collaborative working style


Strategic Thinking
• Ability to connect market trends, customer needs, and product strategy
• Strong focus on long-term value creation and competitive positioning

Executive Communication & Storytelling
• Exceptional ability to distill complex information into clear narratives
• Experience preparing materials for senior leadership and cross-functional alignment

Analytical & Financial Skills
• Strong capabilities in financial modeling, scenario planning, and data synthesis
• Ability to integrate multiple data sources into coherent insights

Operations & Execution
• Understanding of manufacturing, supply chain, and production planning in a capital equipment environment
• Experience evaluating trade-offs between cost, schedule, quality, and customer commitments
• Ability to partner with operations teams to ensure strategies are practical, executable, and aligned with business constraints

Leadership & Influence
• Ability to work across functions and influence without direct authority
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous and evolving environments with strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills

Essential and Physical Activities Functions
• Strength – 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).
• Motion – Position regularly requires standard motions associated with an office environment as well as standard motions associated with leading and demonstrating in an industrial environment.
• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Constant verbal communications, including both talking and hearing.
• Work Environment – Position will occasionally require the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Position may involve work in a non-temperature-controlled environment.

Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**

• Competitive Salary
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
• Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
• Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.

**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.

Marketing, Sales and Service

Various

Illinois

$113,674.92 - $220,523.00