Caterpillar, Inc

Director Product Management - Paving Compaction

Caterpillar, Inc$189K — $283K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and significant related experience with progressive levels of responsibility
  • Deep understanding of paving and heavy equipment industries
  • Ability to drive financial and operational performance outcomes
  • Experience developing product strategies that prioritize customer insights and market intelligence
  • Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and initiatives
  • Strong executive presence to influence senior leadership and align organizational objectives
  • Knowledge of product lifecycle management and New Product Introduction processes

Responsibilities

  • Own and manage overall business performance for the paving product portfolio
  • Define and execute product vision and growth plans for sustainable profitability
  • Provide strategic insights on market opportunities and competitive positioning
  • Lead product vision development and technology strategy execution
  • Drive alignment of New Product Introductions with manufacturing and commercial teams
  • Integrate customer insights and market trends into product decisions
  • Oversee global operations to meet profitability and quality objectives

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plans with company matching
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) options
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare expenses
  • Employee Assistance Program for mental health support
  • Tuition reimbursement for career development
  • Incentive bonuses based on performance
  • Life insurance and disability benefits
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

We have an exciting opportunity at Caterpillar for a Director of Product Management - Paving Compaction to lead the strategy and execution of the product line business for paving products globally.

This position serves as the value chain entrepreneur responsible for all aspects of the product line business, ensuring the portfolio delivers expected contributions to short and long-term revenue, OPACC, profit, ROA, market share, quality, product availability, and services growth commitments. The Director will provide the primary business perspective to the Vice President of Product Management by integrating voice of the customer insights, global economic and competitive trends, technology strategy, product development direction, manufacturing and supply chain dynamics, and overall profitability for the assigned product business.

What You Will Do:

Business & Product Line Leadership
  • Own and manage the overall business performance for the Paving product portfolio, including revenue, OPACC, profitability, ROA, market share, quality, and services growth commitments.
  • Define and execute product vision, business strategy, and growth plans to optimize portfolio performance and drive sustainable profitable growth.
  • Provide strategic business insights and recommendations to senior leadership regarding product line performance, market opportunities, competitive positioning, and future investments.

Product & Technology Strategy
  • Lead the development and execution of a compelling product vision, long-term technology strategy, and product roadmap for the paving portfolio.
  • Drive New Product Introduction (NPI) alignment and product lifecycle strategies in partnership with engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams.
  • Ensure product offerings remain competitive through market-informed investment decisions and technology advancement.

Customer & Market Leadership
  • Represent the voice of the customer by integrating customer insights, application requirements, market trends, and competitive intelligence into business and product decisions.
  • Develop strategies that expand market share, strengthen customer loyalty, and improve customer satisfaction globally.
  • Drive services growth through new offerings, enhanced value propositions, and customer-focused solutions.

Operations, Supply Chain & Quality
  • Lead global cost, quality, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to achieve profitability, quality, and product availability objectives.
  • Oversee capacity management, demand planning, inventory optimization, and assurance of supply across manufacturing facilities and suppliers.
  • Partner with manufacturing, procurement, Equipment Processing Centers, service engineering, and suppliers to support production alignment and full product lifecycle performance.
  • Ensure adherence to quality standards while driving continuous improvement across the value chain.

Leadership & Collaboration
  • Build, coach, and lead a high-performing team, including leadership of leaders, while fostering a culture of accountability, development, and collaboration.
  • Develop strong relationships across product, engineering, manufacturing, commercial, services, and dealer organizations to drive business results.
  • Lead high-impact strategic initiatives on behalf of the Vice President of Product Management.


What You Have:
  • Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree and/or significant related experience with progressive levels of responsibility
  • Products and Services: Knowledge of major products, services, product groups, and service offerings with the ability to apply knowledge effectively across diverse business situations
  • Product Strategy and Lifecycle Management: Ability to define product vision, manage portfolio strategy, and guide lifecycle decisions that align with long-term business objectives
  • P&L Leadership and Business Acumen: Demonstrated ability to drive financial and operational performance, including revenue, profitability, OPACC, ROA, cost, quality, and market share outcomes
  • Service Excellence: Knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques with the ability to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations
  • Organizational Leadership: Ability to lead leaders, align teams around strategic objectives, and build high-performing organizations
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to leverage customer, market, and business insights to establish priorities and create competitive advantage.
  • Execution Excellence: Proven track record of delivering results in complex, matrixed environments through effective prioritization and cross-functional collaboration
  • Competitive Environment: Knowledge of business market concepts and tools to gather, analyze, and communicate competitive insights
  • Knowledge of Customers: Ability to understand customer needs, product applications, and market requirements and translate them into effective business and product strategies
  • Knowledge of Product Line: Knowledge of methodologies, tools, and techniques used to develop and manage product line strategies and processes


Top Candidates Will Also Have:
  • Demonstrated success leading a global product line, business segment, or value stream with accountability for revenue growth, profitability, market share, and return on assets
  • Deep understanding of paving equipment, construction equipment, heavy equipment, or related industries, including customer applications, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes
  • Proven experience developing and executing product strategies that drive long-term growth, technology advancement, and portfolio optimization
  • Experience leading New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and successfully aligning product, engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams from concept through launch
  • Strong business acumen and experience leveraging customer insights, market intelligence, and competitive analysis to influence strategic decisions
  • Experience leading Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), capacity planning, inventory management, and supply chain initiatives to improve business performance
  • Demonstrated success leading leaders and developing high-performing teams within a global, matrixed organization
  • Experience working across the full value chain, including manufacturing, procurement, suppliers, dealers, and commercial organizations
  • Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leaders, drive organizational alignment, and communicate strategy effectively
  • Proven track record of leading transformational initiatives that improve customer value, operational performance, profitability, and long-term competitiveness


Additional Info:
  • The primary location for this position is Peoria, IL
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available for those who qualify
  • Sponsorship is not available
  • International and Domestic travel up to 25%
  • This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to Caterpillar's long-term incentive plan


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.

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 19, 2026 - August 25, 2026

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

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.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey at Caterpillar, Inc.? Explore our career portal for the latest job opportunities.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your subscription to receive updates that align with your career interests.

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Caterpillar, Inc

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Director Product Management - Paving Compaction jobs: