Caterpillar, Inc

Distribution Production Manager

Caterpillar, Inc$81K — $122K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Degree or equivalent experience preferred
  • Strong understanding of Caterpillar's organizational structure and product lines
  • Track record of delivering positive results in increasingly responsible roles
  • Demonstrated experience in team leadership and engagement
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication prowess across diverse teams

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate activities of complex production lines while ensuring quality and safety standards are met
  • Generate and share production reports, identifying areas for improvement
  • Maintain and update safety and quality documentation while ensuring compliance
  • Supervise daily operations of production workers, assigning tasks as needed
  • Train new hires while fostering a culture of safety and collaboration

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and volunteer opportunities
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) options
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) availability
  • Career development programs and tuition reimbursement
  • Incentive bonuses and various discounts and benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Distribution Production Manager

The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is part of Caterpillar's Power & Energy segment. Through this global organization, Caterpillar designs and manufactures large (greater than 18 liters) diesel and natural gas engines, powertrains and key engine systems. LPSD products and solutions support customers across power generation, industrial, marine, oil & gas, rail, services and Cat® machine applications worldwide.

LPSD teams work across regions and function to deliver safe, reliable and compliant solutions that help solve our customers' toughest challenges.

About LEC (Lafayette Engine Center)

The Lafayette Engine Center (LEC) manufactures the Cat 3500, Cat 3600 and C175 engines helping Caterpillar become the world's leading manufacturer of off-highway diesel and natural gas engines.

The units built at LEC power mining trucks carrying ore to be processed, tugboats guiding ships to harbor, drill rigs tapping oil and gas reserves and generators bringing electricity to communities, hospitals and data centers

Job Summary

The Lafayette Engine Center in IN, has a 2nd shift DistributionProduction Manager role which oversees and coordinates the activities of a more complex production line, prepares schedules, resolves issues, and ensures adherence to safety and quality standards.

What you will do:
  • Creating reports and records of production processes, tools issues performance, and inventory; sharing them with managers and providing suggestions to improve safety, productivity and quality.
  • Preparing, maintaining, and updating documentation related to operating procedures and safety and quality standards; ensuring all processes and products meet desired safety and quality standards.
  • Supervising and directing the daily activities of production lines workers, assigning tasks, ensuring coordination between different teams, ensuring their safety and monitoring their performance.
  • Training new hires, managing scheduling and work conflicts, monitoring safety, and promoting internal communication to create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.


Degree Requirement:
  • Degree or equivalent experience desired


What will put you ahead:
  • Good understanding of the Caterpillar organization, products, policies, and procedures.
  • A history of delivering results through a series of roles with increasing responsibility.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage and inspire a team.
  • Previous supervisory or leadership experience.
  • Strong analytical ability.
  • Strong communication skills.


Additional Information:
  • This position is Lafayette, IN.
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
  • Candidates must attach an updated resume.


What you will have:

Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.

Level Working Knowledge:
  • Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives.
  • Examines a specific problem and understands the perspective of each involved stakeholder.
  • Develops alternative techniques for assessing accuracy and relevance of information.
  • Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decision on resolution.
  • Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems.


Performance Management: Knowledge of successful performance management techniques; ability to apply organization's performance management system, practices, and tools to developing and improving individual, team, and organizational performance.

Level Working Knowledge:
  • Identifies opportunities to enhance performance, e.g., practice assignments, training, shadowing.
  • Ensures performance goals, checkpoints, and feedback focus on behaviors.
  • Provides documented input to formal performance review conducted by manager.
  • Observes individual performance and provides fair and objective feedback.
  • Uses formal and informal rewards and recognition programs for employees.


Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.

Level Basic Understanding:
  • Names specific tools or techniques that can be used to support the analytical thinking process.
  • Describes specific software applications or products used for business analytics.
  • Gives examples of how analytical thinking has been used to resolve problems.
  • Helps others research and learn more about business analytics tools and applications.


Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

Level Working Knowledge:
  • Applies an assigned technique for critical thinking in a decision-making process.
  • Identifies, obtains, and organizes relevant data and ideas.
  • Participates in documenting data, ideas, players, stakeholders, and processes.
  • Recognizes, clarifies, and prioritizes concerns.
  • Assists in assessing risks, benefits and consideration of alternatives.


Planning and Organizing: Knowledge of the process of planning and arranging tasks and resources; ability to plan and organize both time and resources to get things completed while structuring and maintaining work in a systematic and highly methodical way.

Level Working Knowledge:
  • Raises awareness of potential bottlenecks and disruptions to the schedule.
  • Breaks tasks into manageable steps that can be incorporated into a personal work plan.
  • Escalates concerns over competing or conflicting priorities.
  • Monitors progress continuously and adjusts tactics for handling situations on a case by case basis.
  • Creates action plans that ensure the accomplishment of responsibilities.


Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Level Working Knowledge:
  • Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient.
  • Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness.
  • Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.
  • Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate.
  • Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.


This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of "essential job functions" as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

#LI

Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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 20, 2026 - August 31, 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

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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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