Caterpillar, Inc

Section Manager - 3rd Shift

Caterpillar, Inc$72K — $108K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles, preferably in a shift-based environment
  • Proven ability in performance management to enhance team capabilities
  • Strong planning and organizing skills to manage production resources effectively
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with a focus on operational excellence
  • Excellent communication skills for effective team and cross-functional collaboration
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365, SAP, and Lean manufacturing principles

Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee 3rd shift operations, ensuring quality production standards are met
  • Provide coaching, performance management, and development for team members
  • Drive execution of production goals aligned with quality and cost objectives
  • Collaborate with day shift leadership for seamless operational transitions
  • Monitor performance metrics and implement effective improvement actions
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operations and reduce downtime
  • Ensure safety standards are adhered to, promoting a safety-first culture

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days
  • 401(k) savings plan with company contributions
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program and Health Lifestyle Programs
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus structure and potential for tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Job Summary:

We're looking for a collaborative and results-driven Section Manager (3rd Shift) to lead a team at our West Plains, Missouri facility in a fast-paced, around-the-clock operation.

In this role, you'll provide both people leadership and operational guidance during critical overnight hours, ensuring your team delivers high-quality results aligned with business objectives. You'll oversee shift operations, support team development, and drive execution across key initiatives during 3rd shift.

You'll partner closely with day shift leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure smooth handoffs, resolve challenges, and maintain continuity across operations. This role plays a key part in supporting production, improving processes, and driving consistent performance at the West Plains site.

This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a leadership role, enjoys building strong teams, and is motivated to make a meaningful impact in a shift-based manufacturing environment.

What You Will Do:
  • Lead and oversee 3rd shift operations at the West Plains, Missouri facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production
  • Provide day-to-day people leadership, including coaching, performance management, and team development
  • Drive execution of production goals, ensuring alignment with quality, delivery, and cost objectives
  • Partner with day shift leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth handoffs and operational continuity across shifts
  • Monitor performance metrics, identify gaps, and implement actions to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency
  • Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance processes, reduce downtime, and optimize operations
  • Ensure adherence to safety standards, policies, and procedures, promoting a strong safety-first culture
  • Address and resolve operational issues in a timely manner, minimizing disruptions to production
  • Communicate updates, priorities, and performance results clearly to leadership and team members
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and engaged team environment to support overall site performance


What skills you will have:

Performance Management:
Experience leading and developing teams within a fast-paced, shift-based environment. Applies performance management practices to drive accountability, improve individual and team performance, and support employee growth. Provides coaching, feedback, and guidance while fostering a positive, engaged, and results-driven team culture

Planning and Organizing:
Demonstrates strong ability to plan and prioritize work, manage resources, and coordinate shift activities to meet production and operational goals. Effectively adjusts priorities in response to changing conditions, ensuring alignment with business needs and maintaining continuity across shifts. Uses a structured approach to organize tasks and drive execution.

Problem Solving:
Applies a practical and disciplined approach to identifying and resolving operational and process-related challenges. Quickly assesses issues, determines root causes, and implements effective solutions to minimize disruption during shift operations. Escalates concerns when needed and supports continuous improvement efforts.

Effective Communications:
Communicates clearly and effectively with team members, leadership, and cross-functional partners. Supports smooth shift handoffs by sharing key updates, priorities, and performance information. Listens actively, ensures understanding, and promotes open, transparent communication within a 3rd shift environment.

Top Candidates will also have:
  • Microsoft office 365 and SAP experience
  • Previous experience leading production in a complex manufacturing environment
  • Leadership and/or participation in facility safety initiatives
  • Process improvement experience
  • Lean manufacturing experience
  • Ability to work cross functionally with multiple work groups


Additional Information:

This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the West Plaines, MO office and supports a 3rd shift schedule with a Sunday start.

Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.

This position may require up to 10% travel.

Summary Pay Range:

$72,360.00 - $108,540.00

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:
June 10, 2026 - June 24, 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.

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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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