Rail Supply Chain & Distribution Superintendent

King County•Multiple locations in King County, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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.
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
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.
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