Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Manager Production - 3rd Shift

Caterpillar, Inc$112K — $169K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role
  • Thorough understanding of safety and operational excellence principles
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Proficient in performance management techniques and employee development
  • Strong analytical skills for problem identification and resolution
  • Experienced in delivering effective training programs

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a team of machinists and assembly technicians
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and operational schedules
  • Oversee performance metrics and implement cost and quality controls
  • Manage staffing strategy and budget ownership for value stream performance
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using SPQVC methodologies

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off for vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plan with company match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs
  • Career development opportunities and tuition reimbursement
  • Incentive bonuses and disability coverage
  • Life insurance and parental/adoption leave supported
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

Role Definition:

As a Senior Manager Production, you will lead a team of machinists and/or assembly technicians in a fast-paced manufacturing environment focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence. Pontiac Fuel Systems produces industry-leading fuel injectors and assemblies for off-highway diesel and dual-fuel applications worldwide. In this role, you will be responsible for value stream performance, including budget ownership, resource planning, staffing strategy, and driving continuous improvement through disciplined execution of SPQVC initiatives.

What You Will Do:
  • Managing staffing, development, and performance management programs for operations staff; managing, motivating, and developing management team.
  • Overseeing operations activities, ensuring that safety, and schedules and performance requirements are met and system resources are used effectively.
  • Monitoring overall operations performance and implementing production safety, cost, and quality control mechanisms.
  • Ensures the compliance of all regulatory guidelines and forges a safe and sound manufacturing environment.


What Skills You Have:

Production Training: Knowledge of approaches, tools and techniques for delivering formal and informal training on the safe and efficient operation of production machinery; ability to conduct effective formal and situation-specific training.
  • Conducts needs analysis to determine skill gaps or areas where training is needed.
  • Develops training programs on the use of new or improved production machines.
  • Directs staff on the set-up and operation of production machinery for custom or nonstandard jobs.
  • Evaluates the pros and cons of various training media and the value of each to the organization.
  • Facilitates the training of employees on new equipment provided by equipment manufacturers.
  • Measures the value of the training program by gathering pre- and post-training performance metrics.


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.
  • 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.
  • Regularly presents ideas or suggestions to associates in persuasive terms.


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.
  • Gives continuing feedback, recognizes achievement, and recommends improvement.
  • Participates in the salary planning and administration process.
  • Defines and agrees upon performance goals and objectives with associates.
  • Identifies performance problem areas early on and defines specific improvement activities.
  • Adjusts and communicates performance objectives as necessary for team objectives.
  • Publicly shares accolades and recognizes and rewards top performers.


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.
  • Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue and determining its significance.
  • Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions.
  • Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. to disclose meaningful data patterns.
  • Identifies the major forces, events, and people impacting and impacted by the situation at hand.
  • Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions.


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.
  • Reviews others' writing or presentations and provides feedback and coaching.
  • Adapts documents and presentations for the intended audience.
  • Demonstrates both empathy and assertiveness when communicating a need or defending a position.
  • Communicates well downward, upward, and outward.
  • Employs appropriate methods of persuasion when soliciting agreement.
  • Maintains focus on the topic at hand.


Top Candidates May Have:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Additional Information:
  • This position requires the selected candidate to work on-site five days a week in the Pontiac, IL facility.
  • 3rd shift: Sunday - Thursday 11:00PM - 7:00AM, with OT as needed.
  • Additional 7% shift differential for 3rd shift.
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available.
  • VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Please ensure you frequently sign in to your Candidate Home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for: https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers


#LI

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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 27, 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.

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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.

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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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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

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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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