Caterpillar, Inc

Production Manager

Caterpillar, Inc$89K — $133K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent knowledge through professional expertise
  • Proven experience in leading and developing production teams
  • In-depth understanding of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
  • Strong ability in managing production schedules and resource allocation
  • Experience in data-driven decision making and operational leadership

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily manufacturing operations to meet safety, quality, productivity, and delivery targets
  • Develop and mentor production teams through effective coaching and performance management
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency
  • Troubleshoot and resolve production, equipment, and staffing challenges
  • Manage production schedules and allocate resources to meet customer demand
  • Monitor key performance indicators to support data-driven decision making
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address operational challenges and align plant goals

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days)
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Job Summary:

Are you a passionate manufacturing leader who thrives on developing teams, driving continuous improvement, and delivering operational results? As a Production Manager, you will lead daily manufacturing operations on third shift and play a key role in shaping a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and performance. You will empower teams to achieve production goals, solve complex operational challenges, and implement initiatives that improve efficiency and business outcomes. Working closely with cross-functional partners, you will have the opportunity to influence plant performance, develop future leaders, and make a meaningful impact on the success of the operation. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who enjoys motivating teams, driving change, and achieving results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The position requires flexibility to support a demanding production schedule, including significant overtime and regular weekend coverage.

What You Will Do:
  • Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and delivery targets are achieved.
  • Manage and develop production teams through coaching, performance management, employee development, and succession planning.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to optimize processes, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.
  • Troubleshoot production, equipment, quality, and staffing issues while implementing effective corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve performance.
  • Develop and manage production schedules, staffing requirements, and resource allocation to support business objectives and customer demand.
  • Monitor key performance indicators and utilize operational data to support decision-making and drive measurable results.
  • Partner with engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and other cross-functional teams to resolve operational challenges and support plant goals.
  • Ensure compliance with safety policies, quality standards, and company procedures while promoting a culture of accountability and operational excellence.


Education requirement:

Candidates should possess a Bachelors degree or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through professional expertise.

What skills you will have:

Performance Management:Demonstrated knowledge of leading and developing production teams, including employee coaching, performance management, workforce planning, employee engagement, and talent development.

Problem Solving: Extensive knowledge of production troubleshooting, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), process optimization, Lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Planning and Organizing: Demonstrated ability to manage production schedules, allocate resources, coordinate cross-functional teams, and lead projects that improve productivity, efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.

Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Working knowledge of data-driven decision making, KPI analysis, risk assessment, operational leadership, and manufacturing processes, including machining operations and production environments.

Additional Information:

This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the East Peoria, IL facility.

This position supports third-shift operations and requires significant overtime, including regular weekend work, to meet production demands.

Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.

This position may require up to 10% travel.

LI#

Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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.

Posting Dates:
August 11, 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.

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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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