Summary King County Metro Transit's Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for a Rail Supply Chain & Distribution Superintendent within the Business and Administration section. This leadership role advances the following key strategic priorities: Developing a culture of care and employee engagement Providing operational excellence across multi-site warehouse and distribution operations Delivering on-time rail system and asset reliability through proactive supply chain readiness Maintaining healthy and resilient partnerships with Sound Transit as the Rail Service Delivery partner The Rail Supply Chain & Distribution Superintendent will lead a high-performing team responsible for managing multiple warehouses and distribution centers supporting Link Light Rail vehicle maintenance, Wayside, Power, and Facilities sections. This role requires proficiency in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms, Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS), demand forecasting, supplier relationship management, inventory optimization, and building, motivating and leading a team.
The ideal candidate will excel in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments and possess demonstrated experience in supply chain strategy, lean inventory practices, vendor contract management, and data-driven performance management. A solid commitment to equity and social justice, with experience in advancing opportunity for historically underrepresented groups is foundational to this role. About King County Metro Transit's Rail Division King County Metro's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link Light Rail, a growing network spanning 60 miles and serving 38 stations across the Puget Sound region.
Together with Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services, the Link Light Rail system is the backbone of an integrated regional transit network that gives people real freedom of movement. As Puget Sound transit agencies work together to build a seamless, connected system, our light rail system plays a central role in expanding access, reducing barriers, and ensuring that everyone across our region can get where they need to go. Joining Metro's Rail Division means joining an organization that is shaping the future of public transportation in the Pacific Northwest and setting the standard for modern rail operations nationwide.
This is a division that values strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to the people we serve, both our riders and our teams. Whatever your role, your work here contributes to something that matters, a light rail system that thousands of people count on every day. Who May Apply This position is open to King County employees and the general public.
To Apply, you Must Submit: An online King County application. Please include relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly. A current Resume, detailing experience and duties performed.
Your resume and the work history section of the King County application should reflect the same experience. A Cover Letter addressing: Why you are interested in this position Your experience in each of the following areas and explain how your background meets and/or exceeds the listed qualifications Supply chain & distribution operations leadership Workforce & performance management Safety & compliance in a supply chain setting Answer the supplemental questions in their entirety. Applications that do not follow the above instructions may be rejected as incomplete and will not be advanced in the process.
Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible. We highly recommend visiting the Career Support Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: Career Support Services - King County. Need Assistance.
If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, or if you have questions, please contact Marwa Alansi, HR Talent Advisor, at malansi@kingcounty.gov Job Duties Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. As the Rail Supply Chain & Distribution Superintendent, you will: Strategic Leadership & Team Management Serve as an active member of Rail's Management Team, advising Division leaders on inventory optimization, supply chain strategy, and materials management Develop and implement strategic goals, vision, workforce planning, performance standards, and divisional policies for multi-site warehouse operations Hire staff, manage performance, mentor, and develop a skilled warehouse team; foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and employee engagement Act as the key technical advisor to Section Managers and Division leadership on all supply chain, procurement, and inventory matters Planning, Procurement, & Sourcing Develop demand forecasting and materials planning tools to anticipate inventory needs aligned with rail vehicle maintenance schedules and system asset support Lead strategic sourcing activities: identify qualified suppliers, evaluate bids, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor performance to ensure competitive pricing and supply reliability Establish and manage supplier scorecards tracking on-time delivery, order accuracy (OTIF - On-Time In-Full), quality, and cost performance Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions, including sole-source risks and long lead-time components Warehousing, Distribution, & Logistics Oversee daily warehouse operations across multiple facilities, directing MSC Chiefs to maintain safe, efficient, and compliant operations Optimize transportation routes and parts distribution workflows to ensure on-time delivery of materials to maintenance crews and field technicians Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for receiving, storage, picking, and distribution operations Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and King County safety standards in all warehouse environments Drive between Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility locations as needed. Inventory Control & ERP/EAMS Systems Management Develop and maintain inventory management processes to optimize stock levels, minimize carrying costs, and prevent stockouts of critical maintenance parts Leverage Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS), and Warehouse Management System (WMS) capabilities to maintain inventory accuracy, automate reorder points, and support min/max optimization Conduct regular cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliations to maintain inventory accuracy targets Develop ABC inventory classification and criticality-based stocking strategies aligned with rail maintenance priorities Performance Management & Continuous Improvement Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) including: OTIF (On-Time In-Full) supplier performance, inventory turnover, fill rate, carrying cost, order accuracy, and lead-time variance Develop Power BI dashboards and use Excel-based tools to present supply chain performance data to both technical and non-technical stakeholders Apply process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen) to eliminate waste and reduce costs across supply chain functions Analyze operational trends to optimize staffing, forecast material needs, manage and administer section budgets including expenditures and vendor contracts, and provide budget recommendations
Participate in audits, technical, financial, and cost analyses and ensure audits are performed in compliance with federally mandated requirements. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Management Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Sound Transit partners, King County divisions, and labor union representatives (collective bargaining units) Ensure consistent application of labor policies, contract provisions, and Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs); investigate grievances and provide guidance on complex labor relations matters Participate and represent the Rail Division in internal and external working groups, project teams, and committees addressing supply chain, inventory, and service delivery topics Act on behalf of higher-level managers as needed and perform other duties as required Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Required Qualifications Five (5) or more years of progressive experience managing and overseeing warehousing, inventory management, and supply chain operations at a workgroup, section, or division level Three (3) or more years of supervisory or management experience leading multidisciplinary teams, including hiring, performance management, mentoring, and developing staff at all levels, or any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the classification Knowledge of and experience with budget development, financial principles and standards, and statistical, cost, financial, and operational analysis Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (such as SAP, Oracle, Maximo, or equivalent), Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS), and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for inventory control and materials management Experience developing and tracking supply chain KPIs and using data analytics tools (Power BI, Excel, or equivalent) to drive operational decisions Ability to develop and manage procurement processes including bid specifications, supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, and vendor performance management Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture that prioritizes equity, inclusion, belonging, and employee well-being Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced operational environment A valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record. If you possess an out-of-state driver's license, you must obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire Desirable Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field APICS/ASCM certification: CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management), or CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution) Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) or demonstrated application of process improvement methodologies in a warehouse or distribution environment Experience managing supply chain or materials management operations for a transit agency, railroad, utility, or other capital-intensive infrastructure organization Knowledge of all applicable local, state and federal regulations that govern funding, procurement, contracting, and operation of mass transit inventory Familiarity with Sound Transit-King County Metro Intergovernmental Agreements, working conditions, policies, and procedures Experience working in a unionized environment, with a demonstrated ability to foster mutual respect and navigate collective bargaining provisions Experience managing budgets of $5M or greater, including expenditure tracking, forecasting, and vendor contract management Experience implementing or upgrading Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS), or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) platforms in a warehouse or distribution operations context Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management experience Knowledge of human resources management, and federal, state, and local laws related to employment, civil rights, and affirmative action Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of labor relations that include interest-based or collaborative labor negotiations as well as grievance and arbitration processes Supplemental Information Selection Process Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above.
Applications will then undergo a blind panel review. Highly competitive applicants may be invited to one or more interviews. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as reference checks or internal record reviews, driving abstract reviews, etc.
Work Schedule This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay. The standard schedule is a 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday. This position may also include working non-standard work hours such as evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, based on operational needs.
Telework This position follows a hybrid work schedule requiring a minimum of 3 days per week onsite, consistent with King County Metro's hybrid work policy. Remote workdays may be adjusted based on operational or business needs. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various Sound Transit facilities.
Upon hire, employees must reside in Washington state and must be able to travel to the below work locations in a timely manner to respond to operational needs and workplace reporting requirements. Work Location The primary onsite locations are: Operations and Maintenance Facility- Central: 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA Operations and Maintenance Facility- East: 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA. And any other Sound Transit Link facilities, dependent on operational need Union Membership: This position is represented by PROTEC17 : C5 union.
Class Code/ Pay Grade: 8712280/ 73 An Employer to Be Proud Of King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment and radically improving urban air quality, by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in this public transportation industry. Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference. Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
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