Senior Production Manager

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar yourejoining 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 dontjust 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.

Senior Production Manager

Location:Decatur IL
Travel:Up to 5%
Relocation Assistance:Available
Visa Sponsorship:Not Available
Job Type:Full-Time
Job Level:Manager
Industry:Manufacturing / Industrial Operations
Function:Manufacturing Operations / Safety / Quality / Performance Management

Job Summary

Join Caterpillar as a Senior Manager of Production and lead the day-to-day operations of a large manufacturing facility or multiple facilities in Decatur. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence safety and quality across all shifts. You will manage staffing develop high-performing teams and implement lean manufacturing and Built-in Quality (BIQ) principles to ensure efficient compliant and cost-effective production.

This position is ideal for a hands-on leader with deep expertise in fabrication machining and assembly and a passion for continuous improvement and performance management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing operations management team.
• Oversee staffing development and performance management programs.
• Ensure safety schedule adherence and production targets are met.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety cost and quality.
• Implement lean manufacturing and BIQ principles.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and safety standards.
• Manage fabrication machining and assembly operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing IT and customer service teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Manufacturing Operations: Oversees daily production activities ensures cross-functional coordination and enforces safety compliance across manufacturing workflows.

Manufacturing Safety: Leads OSHA-compliant safety inspections develops emergency protocols and fosters a proactive safety culture for employees and contractors.

Quality Management: Conducts quality reviews and implements assurance processes using Six Sigma ISO 9000 or Baldrige standards to drive continuous improvement.

Planning & Organizing: Develops contingency plans manages competing priorities and monitors execution to ensure operational goals are met.

Performance Management: Provides coaching and feedback supports employee development and leverages recognition programs to enhance team performance.

Preferred Background

• Experience leading operations in large-scale manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in lean transformation and safety leadership.
• Familiarity with BIQ and global manufacturing standards.
• Strong leadership in cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.

Education

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Manufacturing or related field (preferred)
• Equivalent experience will be considered.

Summary Pay Range:

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors job level market locationjob-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

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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