Availability Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Purpose
Provide enterprise ownership of the Infor LN, D365, SAP platforms and enterprise business platforms (Coupa, ETQ, etc.) across Progress Rail's global operations. This role is responsible for platform strategy/transformation, operational execution, governance, and organizational leadership of managers overseeing functional delivery, development, integrations, and ERP administration.
The ERP Leader ensures reliable system performance, disciplined execution, cross-regional alignment, and a clear multi-year roadmap that supports manufacturing, finance, supply chain, engineering, quality, and service operations.
Company Description
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.
Education / Training
• Bachelor's degree in information systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field required.
• Master's degree (MBA or related) preferred
Key Job Elements
Platform & Operational Leadership
• Oversee day-to-day operations of Progress Rail's ERP environments.
• Ensure incidents, enhancements, and releases are delivered predictably and within defined service levels.
• Monitor system performance, stability, and user satisfaction.
• Establish and track operational KPIs (incident volume, resolution time, backlog health, availability).
Manager Leadership
• Lead managers responsible for:
ERP functional delivery
ERP development and EDI/integrations
ERP administration
• Establish performance expectations and accountability standards.
• Provide coaching and leadership development to managers.
Governance & Controls
• Enforce change management and release governance processes.
• Standardize documentation and workflow discipline.
• Support audit readiness and internal control compliance.
• Maintain ERP operating procedures and playbooks.
Business Partnership
• Serve as senior IT partner for ERP enabled business capabilities.
• Translate business needs into structured, executable priorities.
• Resolve operational escalations and manage expectations.
Advanced duties and responsibilities
Platform Strategy & Roadmap
• Define and execute a 2-3 year ERP roadmap aligned to business strategy.
• Lead ERP capability adoption and cloud optimization initiatives.
• Drive cross-site and cross-region process harmonization.
• Reduce unnecessary customizations and technical debt.
• Align ERP evolution with enterprise architecture and integration standards.
Organizational Design & Operating Model
• Design and continuously improve the ERP operating model.
• Develop succession plans and leadership bench strength.
• Establish cross-regional collaboration standards.
• Balance internal capability development with targeted use of external partners.
Financial & Vendor Accountability
• Own ERP related operating and project budgets.
• Manage strategic relationships with Infor, Microsoft, SAP and external partners.
• Optimize resource allocation to maximize ROI and system reliability.
Qualifications and Experience
• 12+ years of ERP experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Deep expertise in Infor LN (Cloud Edition strongly preferred).
• Experience supporting multi-site and multi-country operations.
• 5+ years leading managers or multi-layer ERP organizations.
• Proven track record balancing operational stability with modernization initiatives.
• Experience with EDI integrations and enterprise system integrations.
Preferred Skills
• Strong understanding of:
Finance (GL, AP, AR)
Manufacturing and Planning
Purchasing and Warehousing
Engineering and Quality
Service and Projects
• ITIL or structured service management knowledge.
• Experience reducing ERP customization footprint.
• Demonstrated ability to implement governance frameworks.
• Executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Cross-cultural leadership experience (U.S. and LATAM preferred).
• Strong analytical and KPI-driven decision-making capability.
Essential and Physical Activities Functions
• Strength - Ability to lift ~50 lbs;
• Motion - Majority of work will be at a computer although physical work with equipment is also in
scope for the role. Ability to climb ladder or steps onto a locomotive;
• Vision/Hearing Requirements - Ability to operate a vehicle for travel and use a laptop/desktop
computer;
• Work Environment- Large majority of time will be in an office. May require occasional work outside. Ability
to sit for extended periods and operate standard computer equipment;
• Emotional Demands - Work with a team under pressure. Handle pressure of operating with high
safety and security requirements and responsibility. Ability to speak up if you see any security or
safety issues. Ability to communicate effectively in meetings, presentations, and written documentation. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment;
• Safety - Ability to work safely around hardware and electrical equipment. Ability to maneuver in
production facilities with potentially dangerous moving machinery.
Benefits
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.