Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference
Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:
• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities
Job Summary
The Signal Supply Manager is responsible for managing the procurement, inventory, storage, distribution, and availability of materials, parts, tools, and equipment required to support railroad signal maintenance, construction, and field operations. This position ensures signal crews have the right materials and equipment available when and where they are needed to safely and efficiently complete their work.
The Signal Supply Manager coordinates with field supervisors, signal personnel, suppliers, vendors, and internal departments to forecast material needs, maintain appropriate inventory levels, control costs, and resolve supply issues. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Manage the day-to-day supply and material needs supporting signal maintenance, construction, and field operations.
• Coordinate the procurement, receipt, storage, inventory, and distribution of signal materials, parts, tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Work closely with Signal Foremen, Signal Maintainers, project leaders, and other field personnel to understand current and upcoming material requirements.
• Forecast material needs and maintain appropriate inventory levels to support planned and emergency work.
• Monitor inventory levels, usage, lead times, and reorder points to minimize shortages and excess inventory.
• Research, source, and purchase materials and equipment from approved suppliers and vendors.
• Obtain quotes, compare pricing and availability, and make purchasing recommendations based on cost, quality, lead time, and operational requirements.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Track purchase orders, deliveries, backorders, shortages, and other supply issues and take appropriate action to resolve them.
• Coordinate the timely delivery of materials and equipment to field crews and work locations.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure materials are properly received, labeled, stored, issued, and accounted for.
• Conduct periodic inventory counts and investigate discrepancies between physical inventory and system records.
• Establish and maintain organized storage systems that allow materials and equipment to be located and distributed efficiently.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposition of signal materials and equipment in accordance with company procedures and applicable requirements.
• Monitor material costs and identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve purchasing efficiency, and control overall supply expenses.
• Identify obsolete, excess, damaged, or unusable inventory and coordinate appropriate disposition.
• Coordinate the repair, replacement, or replenishment of tools and equipment used by signal crews.
• Maintain documentation related to purchasing, inventory, equipment, suppliers, and material transactions.
• Use company systems and inventory/procurement software to maintain accurate records and generate reports.
• Assist with establishing standard material lists, stocking levels, and specifications for commonly used signal components and supplies.
• Support emergency and unplanned maintenance activities by expediting materials and equipment when necessary.
• Ensure all purchasing and supply activities comply with company policies, approved vendor requirements, and applicable rules and regulations.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Finance, Procurement, and other departments to support business needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve supply processes, inventory accuracy, material availability, and service to field operations.
• Provide leadership, direction, and accountability to supply personnel as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• Previous experience in supply chain, inventory management, procurement, materials management, logistics, or a related field required.
• Railroad, industrial maintenance, construction, electrical, or signal-related supply experience preferred.
• Experience managing inventory supporting field-based or geographically dispersed operations preferred.
• Strong understanding of purchasing, inventory control, material planning, and supplier management.
• Ability to understand technical materials, parts, tools, and equipment and determine appropriate quantities and specifications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and supply requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to inventory accuracy.
• Ability to analyze inventory, purchasing, usage, and cost information to make sound business decisions.
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with vendors, suppliers, field personnel, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to identify supply risks and proactively develop solutions to prevent operational delays.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, and the ability to learn and effectively use company procurement and inventory systems.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize work and respond effectively to changing operational needs and emergency requirements.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to field locations, warehouses, suppliers, or other company facilities as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.