Caterpillar, Inc

Director - Manufacturing Operations

Caterpillar, Inc$189K — $283K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-10 years of experience in large-scale manufacturing operations
  • Proven track record of enhancing operational metrics including safety and quality
  • Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles
  • Experience managing cross-functional teams
  • Exceptional communication skills with senior leadership
  • Ability to drive a culture of accountability and performance improvement

Responsibilities

  • Lead all manufacturing operations for a large plant ensuring safety and quality
  • Establish strategies to enhance production efficiency and customer satisfaction
  • Develop and execute production schedules aligned with business goals
  • Monitor performance metrics and drive accountability for results
  • Champion safety culture and ensure regulatory adherence
  • Develop leaders through performance management and succession planning
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve operational flow

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plans with company contributions
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program for support
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus programs
  • Life Insurance and disability benefits
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Job Summary:
IPSD has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and strategic Director Manufacturing Operations to lead large-scale plant operations in Seguin, Texas assembling 7L to 18L diesel and natural gas engines used in Machines, Industrial Applications, and Electric Power.

In this role, you will be accountable for driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and business performance across a complex manufacturing environment. You will lead and work with cross-functional teams, develop talent, strengthen operating systems, and ensure the facility delivers cost-effective, timely, high-quality products in a safe, secure, compliant, and efficient environment.

What You Will Do:
• Lead all aspects of manufacturing operations for a large plant or facility, ensuring safe, efficient, compliant, and high-quality production outcomes.
• Establish and execute operating strategies that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, asset utilization, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Direct development and execution of production work schedules to meet internal business goals and customer expectations.
• Monitor process, equipment, and personnel performance; remove operating barriers and drive accountability for results.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operating methods, equipment, systems, and infrastructure needed to achieve business objectives.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to all applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, security, and quality requirements.
• Develop and manage leaders and teams responsible for plant operating functions, including hiring, performance management, coaching, training, and succession planning.
• Partner with engineering, quality, supply chain, maintenance, logistics, and other functional teams to resolve issues, improve flow, and strengthen end-to-end operational performance.
• Use data, operating metrics, and financial indicators to identify opportunities for cost reduction, improved asset turns, lower period costs, and stronger workforce effectiveness.
• Influence senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to align priorities, secure resources, and execute strategic initiatives that support long-term competitiveness.

What You Will Have:
Influencing: Ability to build alignment, gain commitment, and influence decisions across functions and leadership levels, including when leading through complex or competing priorities.

Performance Management: Ability to lead through others by setting clear expectations, coaching leaders, building accountability, and creating a culture that supports strong individual, team, and organizational performance.

Strategic Thinking: Ability to apply business acumen and long-term thinking to position the organization for competitiveness, growth, operational resilience, and continuous improvement.

Planning and Organizing: Ability to plan resources, priorities, schedules, and initiatives across multiple functions while maintaining disciplined execution and clear accountability.

Top Candidates Will Also Have:
• Experience leading large-scale manufacturing operations in a complex, multi-shift environment.
• Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, asset utilization, and customer satisfaction metrics.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams across operations, quality, engineering, maintenance, logistics, and supply chain.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operating system discipline.
• Proven ability to develop leaders, build succession strength, and create a high-accountability performance culture.
• Financial and business acumen with experience managing cost reduction, period cost, productivity, and asset utilization priorities.
• Ability to communicate clearly with senior leadership and influence enterprise-level decisions.

Summary Pay Range:

$189,080.00 - $283,630.00

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.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:
August 7, 2026 - August 20, 2026

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

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

Benefits and Culture

Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

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Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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