Manager Production

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Job Summary:

The Manager Production is responsible for leading and overseeing daily manufacturing operations to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products. This role combines strong leadership and technical expertise in machining, quality control, and process optimization. The manager will drive continuous improvement initiatives, manage cross-functional collaboration, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. A key focus is on developing and mentoring production teams while leveraging tools like SAP, CMM reports, and Lean methodologies to enhance operational efficiency and product reliability.

What You Will Do:

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to meet production targets, minimize downtime, and ensure efficient use of machining equipment and resources.
• Ensure product quality by conducting root cause analysis, implementing CAPA, and using CMM reports to maintain compliance with ISO and BIQ standards.
• Develop and manage production schedules using SAP or Microsoft Project, integrating machining cycle times and coordinating material availability.
• Recruit, train, and manage production team members, conduct performance reviews, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Apply technical knowledge of machining processes and equipment to troubleshoot issues, optimize workflows, and support process improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, logistics, and procurement teams to resolve bottlenecks and align production with business goals.

Education requirement:

A relevant degree is preferred or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through professional expertise.

What skills you will have:

Manufacturing Operations:

• Leads daily production activities to meet output targets and minimize downtime.
• Uses SAP or similar ERP systems to manage workflow, inventory, and production schedules.
• Coordinates with cross-functional teams (engineering, maintenance, logistics) to resolve bottlenecks.
• Applies Lean manufacturing principles to optimize processes and reduce waste.
• Applies technical knowledge of machining processes, tooling, and equipment to improve operational efficiency.
• Interprets CMM reports to ensure dimensional accuracy and proactively address quality issues.
• Demonstrates leadership in driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Quality Management:

• Conducts root cause analysis and implements corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Drives Built-In Quality (BIQ) initiatives and ensures compliance with ISO standards.
• Trains teams on inspection techniques and quality control procedures.
• Collaborates with suppliers and internal teams to resolve quality issues and improve product reliability.
• Uses machining knowledge to identify and resolve process-related defects.
• Analyzes CMM reports to validate part specifications and support quality audits.
• Applies technical expertise to develop and refine inspection protocols and quality metrics.

Planning and Organizing:

• Develops and maintains production schedules using tools like Microsoft Project or SAP.
• Allocates resources efficiently to meet demand forecasts and minimize overtime.
• Monitors material availability and coordinates with procurement to avoid delays.
• Prepares contingency plans to handle unexpected disruptions in production.
• Integrates machining cycle times and tooling requirements into production planning.
• Applies technical knowledge to align production capabilities with customer requirements.
• Demonstrates leadership in prioritizing tasks and managing competing deadlines.

Talent Management & Leadership:

• Recruits, trains, and develops production team members to build a high-performing workforce.
• Conducts performance reviews and provides coaching for continuous improvement.
• Implements safety and compliance training programs tailored to manufacturing roles.
• Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and employee engagement.
• Manages people effectively by setting clear expectations, resolving conflicts, and recognizing achievements.
• Applies leadership knowledge to mentor team members and build succession plans.
• Provides technical training in machining, equipment handling, and quality inspection (including CMM usage).

Additional Information:

This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the East Peoria, IL office.

Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available for this position. Any relocation costs incurred would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.

This position may require up to 10% travel.

What you will get:

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. Here you earn more than just wage, because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Annual incentive bonus plan*
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)
• 401k savings plan
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Healthy Lifestyle Programs
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (Ex. Accident, Identity Theft Protection)

*Subject to annual eligibility and incentive plan guidelines.

Final details:

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media

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Summary Pay Range:

$95,640.00 - $143,520.00

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 Caterpillar.

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

September 10, 2025 - September 23, 2025

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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