Caterpillar, Inc

Production Manager

Caterpillar, Inc$97K — $146K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience desired.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities to identify and resolve issues efficiently.
  • Proficient in data gathering and analysis for informed decision-making.
  • Experience in performance management and developing talent within teams.
  • Analytical thinker capable of structured analysis and decision-making.
  • Skilled in planning and organizing to manage production schedules effectively.
  • Effective communication skills for clear interaction with teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily operations of a complex production line to meet safety and quality standards.
  • Maintain and analyze production reports to drive improvements in efficiency.
  • Prepare and enhance standard operating documentation for adherence to safety.
  • Supervise production teams and ensure a safe, aligned work environment.
  • Train and onboard new team members while resolving work schedule conflicts.
  • Troubleshoot production issues using structured approaches to identify solutions.
  • Facilitate communication across the organization to ensure alignment on production goals.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off plan including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plan with potential employer contributions.
  • Career development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
  • Flexible spending accounts and health savings account options.
  • Incentive bonuses and life insurance coverage.
  • Employee assistance program for personal support.
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

Production Manager

Location: Decatur, IL

Relocation Assistance: Offered

Visa Sponsorship: Not offered

Travel: Up to 5%

Work Arrangement: On-site

Job Summary

As 1st shift Production Manager in Decatur, Illinois, you will oversee and coordinate a complex production line, ensuring safe, highquality, ontime manufacturing. Youll lead daily execution by preparing schedules, resolving production issues, and reinforcing operating procedures and standards, while developing teams and strengthening a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate daytoday execution for a complex production line, aligning staffing, materials flow, and priorities to meet safety, quality, and delivery commitments.
  • Create and maintain production reports and records (process performance, tooling issues, inventory) and provide actionable recommendations to improve safety, productivity, and quality.
  • Prepare, maintain, and improve standard operating documentation, ensuring processes and products meet defined safety and quality standards.
  • Supervise and direct production teams: assign work, coordinate across teams, monitor performance, remove barriers, and ensure a safe work environment.
  • Train and onboard new team members; manage scheduling and resolve work conflicts to maintain stable, efficient shift execution.
  • Troubleshoot operational issues with a structured approach; identify root causes, evaluate options, and implement effective countermeasures.
  • Communicate clearly up, down, and across the organization to sustain alignment, accountability, and consistent production results.

Required Skills

  • Problem Solving: Ability to identify problems, assess alternatives, and drive practical resolutions using factfinding and diagnostic tools.
  • Data Gathering & Analysis: Ability to collect, synthesize, and document data from multiple sources to support decisions and performance improvements.
  • Performance Management: Ability to set expectations, provide objective feedback, develop talent, and contribute to a strong performance culture.
  • Analytical Thinking: Ability to define issues, compare solution options, recognize patterns, and apply structured analysis tools.
  • Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Ability to organize relevant inputs, clarify priorities, and assess risks/benefits to make sound decisions.
  • Planning & Organizing: Ability to build action plans, manage competing priorities, and keep production on track with disciplined execution.
  • Effective Communications: Ability to communicate clearly and constructively with teams and stakeholders; deliver feedback and share expectations.
  • Accuracy & Attention to Detail: Ability to ensure precise documentation, reliable reporting, and mistakeproof execution where required.
  • Education: bachelors degree or equivalent experience desired.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience leading production in a complex manufacturing environment, including multiteam coordination and shift leadership.
  • Knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing continuous improvement principles.
  • Familiarity with Six Sigma methods and datadriven problem solving.

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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:

July 28, 2026 - August 9, 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.

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.

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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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