Career Area:Supply Chain and Logistics
Job Description:Caterpillar is seeking a Manufacturing Planning Manager to join our factory-based team in Sanford, NC. This role is critical in the implementation and continuous improvement of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) that enable real time production visibility, standardized execution, quality control, traceability, and integration between enterprise systems and shop floor operations. The Building Construction Products division at Caterpillar is a global organization responsible for designing, manufacturing, and supporting Caterpillar's line of small, versatile construction equipment. If you have the skills, abilities, and drive, we have an excellent career opportunity for you in our Sanford, NC facility as a
Manufacturing Planning Manager!
As a Manufacturing Planning Manager in this high-volume manufacturing facility, you will support the build of Compact Track Loaders through LEAN projects and Manufacturing Execution Systems support. You will get to own entire projects from scoping, quoting, and developing the project plan through completion and implementation. You will lead a small team responsible for executing a broad range of innovative, facility wide projects that span manufacturing systems integration, digital transformation initiatives, and the design and deployment of industrial automation solutions.
As a Manufacturing Planning Manager you will have the opportunity to:- Lead a team that enables reliable manufacturing execution by supporting MES platforms, driving system enhancements and updates, and ensuring alignment with plant operating objectives.
- Work with cross functional teams in designing and executing projects. Project teams may include IT, Operations, Logistics, Supply Chain, Quality, and Design Engineering.
- Process flow optimization through facility layout changes and customized manufacturing systems design.
- Manage contractors during project execution and ownership of capital funding for project execution.
To be successful in this role, you must bring:- Data Gathering & Analysis: Knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes; ability to collect and synthesize data from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective manner to reach a conclusion, goal, or judgment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Top candidates will also bring:- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an Engineering or Computer Science discipline.
- In lieu of a 4-year degree, 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment with some software systems-based experience required.
- Experience with computer/software-based systems to support manufacturing production line.
- An understanding of manufacturing related processes and systems.
- Work experience in a manufacturing or similar environment.
- Strong communication skills (written and oral) as well as developed interpersonal and collaborative skills.
- 2+ years of engineering experience.
- Software or Systems Engineering Degree.
- Experience with CAT systems and products.
- Experience with control plans, FMEA, PFMEA and time studies.
- Experience with IT systems or MES Systems.
- Ability to work across diverse and cross functional teams
- Work experience in a final product assembly environment.
- PLC programming experience.
- Experience with integration of automation in manufacturing.
- Experience with CAT PSPS (Production Software Programming System)
- Previous leadership or management experience
Additional Information:The primary location for this position is Sanford, NC.
Domestic relocation assistance is not available.
Sponsorship is not available.
This position requires a Monday-Thursday (6:00am-4:30pm) in-office schedule and overtime as business needs require.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
Posting Dates:August 25, 2026 - September 8, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
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