Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Paint Manager

Caterpillar, Inc$147K — $221K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience with powder coat and liquid paint systems
  • Familiarity with pre-treat chemical application
  • Robotic manufacturing experience preferred
  • Six Sigma Greenbelt certification desired
  • Strong business acumen and decision-making skills
  • Thorough knowledge of Lean Manufacturing processes

Responsibilities

  • Manage daily operations of the Paint department across all shifts
  • Develop operational strategies for optimal resource utilization
  • Monitor key performance indicators for paint operations
  • Integrate functions to enhance product quality and operational excellence
  • Support long-term business strategies and capital planning
  • Improve system reliability and support technology implementation
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in industrial paint and coating processes

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)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development
  • Incentive bonus
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Manufacturing

Job Description:

At Caterpillar's Sanford, NC facility, we manufacture and assemble Compact Track Loaders. In this role as a Senior Paint Manager, you will be primarily responsible for managing the day-to-day operations, supporting staff, and future planning of all shifts in the Paint department.

As a member of the Manufacturing Operations team, you will need to have a growth mindset, promote continuous improvement, and help build a defect-free culture. You will partner across Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and site leadership to remove barriers, improve flow, and deliver consistent operational results.

What you can look forward to in this role:
  • Lead all aspects of Paint Shop operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of surface preparation, pretreatment, blasting, powder coating, liquid paint application, curing, and finishing processes while consistently meeting production schedules, quality standards, and cost targets.
  • Develop and execute operational strategies that optimize the utilization of labor, paint systems, coating equipment, materials, and manufacturing assets to achieve world-class performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory management.
  • Establish and monitor critical paint operations performance indicators, including first-pass yield, defect rates, rework, throughput, schedule attainment, coating quality, labor efficiency, equipment uptime, and customer satisfaction metrics.
  • Drive operational excellence by integrating Paint Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Maintenance functions to improve performance, enhance product quality, and support plant-wide business objectives.
  • Manage multiple operational areas within the Paint Department while partnering with the Director of Operations to support long-term business strategy, capital investment planning, capacity expansion initiatives, and operational transformation efforts.
  • Partner with Engineering and Maintenance organizations to improve paint system reliability, optimize preventative maintenance strategies, support new technology implementation, and drive paint process modernization initiatives.
  • Serve as the site's senior subject matter leader for industrial paint and coating operations, providing expertise in coating technologies, corrosion protection systems, powder coat processes, liquid paint applications, appearance quality standards, and manufacturing best practices.


A successful candidate in this role will showcase their skills in:
  • Manufacturing Operations: Knowledge of manufacturing operations; ability to perform day-to-day operations of a manufacturing plant or facility for products.
  • Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies: Knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities; ability to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Production Scheduling and Control: Knowledge of procedures and tools for scheduling and controlling production runs; ability to utilize knowledge of daily manufacturing processes to assure quality deliverables.


Top Candidates for this position may also have:
  • 7 or more years' leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience with powder coat systems, liquid paint systems, pre-treat chemical application, shot blast operations.
  • Robotic manufacturing experience
  • Experience managing teams to production, budgetary, and efficiency targets.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop a cooperative work relationship with others inside and outside the department.
  • Six Sigma Greenbelt.
  • Strong business acumen and proven excellent decision making.
  • Thorough knowledge of Lean Manufacturing processes.


Additional Information:
  • The primary location for this position is Sanford, NC.
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available
  • Sponsorship is not available


Summary Pay Range:

$147,760.00 - $221,640.00

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 16, 2026 - July 23, 2026

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.

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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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