Career Area:Manufacturing
Job Description:Senior Production ManagerLocation: Decatur, IL
Travel: Up to 5%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Level: Manager
Industry: Manufacturing / Industrial Operations
Function: Manufacturing Operations / Safety / Quality / Performance Management
Job SummaryJoin Caterpillar as a 1st shift Senior Production Manager and lead the day-to-day operations of a large manufacturing facility or multiple facilities in Decatur. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, safety, and quality across all shifts. You will manage staffing, develop high-performing teams, and implement lean manufacturing and Built-in Quality (BIQ) principles to ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective production.
This position is ideal for a hands-on leader with deep expertise in fabrication, machining, and assembly, and a passion for continuous improvement and performance management.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and develop a high-performing operations management team.
- Oversee staffing, development, and performance management programs.
- Ensure safety, schedule adherence, and production targets are met.
- Drive continuous improvement in safety, cost, and quality.
- Implement lean manufacturing and BIQ principles.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and safety standards.
- Manage fabrication, machining, and assembly operations.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, IT, and customer service teams.
Required Skills & CompetenciesManufacturing Operations: Oversees daily production activities, ensures cross-functional coordination, and enforces safety compliance across manufacturing workflows.
Manufacturing Safety: Leads OSHA-compliant safety inspections, develops emergency protocols, and fosters a proactive safety culture for employees and contractors.
Quality Management: Conducts quality reviews and implements assurance processes using Six Sigma, ISO 9000, or Baldrige standards to drive continuous improvement.
Planning & Organizing: Develops contingency plans, manages competing priorities, and monitors execution to ensure operational goals are met.
Performance Management: Provides coaching and feedback, supports employee development, and leverages recognition programs to enhance team performance.
Preferred Background- Experience leading operations in large-scale manufacturing environments.
- Proven track record in lean transformation and safety leadership.
- Familiarity with BIQ and global manufacturing standards.
- Strong leadership in cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.
Education- Degree or equivalent experience
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:June 22, 2026 - July 5, 2026
