Career Area:

Job Description:

Caterpillar is seeking a highly motivated Supply Chain Planning Analyst to support Final Assembly operations. In this role, you will partner with manufacturing, logistics, engineering, and operations teams to develop and maintain supply chain planning processes across multiple value streams supporting some of Caterpillar's largest products.

This position plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining Plans for Every Part (PFEP), supporting Bill of Material (BOM) accuracy, and developing material flow strategies that ensure materials are available when and where they are needed to support manufacturing operations and customer demand. You'll leverage analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a continuous improvement mindset to help optimize supply chain performance and support operational excellence.

What makes this role exciting:

This is a unique opportunity to directly influence how materials are planned, presented, and delivered across Final Assembly operations supporting multiple large Caterpillar product lines. As part of a growing team, you will help shape PFEP strategies, optimize lineside material presentation, support BOM and kitting solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that impact operational efficiency and manufacturing performance.

Success in this role requires a combination of analytical thinking, creativity, and operational understanding, as supply chain planning is both a science and an art. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who enjoys solving complex problems, improving processes, and collaborating across functions to develop innovative material flow solutions.

What you will do:

Supply Chain Planning & Material Flow

• Support supply chain planning activities across multiple Final Assembly value streams supporting large Caterpillar products.

• Partner with master planners and cross-functional stakeholders to support outsourcing requirements and planning execution.

• Develop, maintain, and improve Plans for Every Part (PFEP) to support efficient material flow and production requirements.

• Analyze material consumption requirements and support effective material presentation strategies at point of use.

• Ensure supply chain planning activities align with operational, manufacturing, and customer requirements.

BOM & Kitting Support

• Support Bill of Material (BOM) management activities and maintain planning-related product structure data.

• Assist with kitting strategies for assembly operations where lineside space, ergonomics, or operational efficiency require alternative material delivery methods.

• Configure and support kit requirements to ensure production teams receive the right materials in the right quantities at the right time.

• Collaborate with manufacturing and logistics teams to optimize part presentation and material handling processes.

Supplier & Sourcing Support

• Support supplier selection activities and customer proposal efforts through pricing information and sourcing support.

• Establish and maintain blanket purchase orders and support vendor-managed inventory (VMI) initiatives.

• Assist with contract and purchase order generation activities.

• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support material availability and supply chain performance.

Continuous Improvement & Analytics

• Identify and recommend improvements to supply chain processes, material flow, and planning methodologies.

• Apply analytical thinking and problem-solving techniques to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, safety, ergonomics, and operational performance.

• Maintain and support supply chain application systems and planning tools.

What skills you have:

Accuracy and Attention to Detail

• Ability to execute planning, sourcing, and supplier-related activities with a high degree of precision.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking

• Ability to analyze information, evaluate alternatives, and support informed business decisions.

• Strong judgment and analytical reasoning skills.

Logistics Management

• Understanding of inbound and outbound material flow processes.

• Knowledge of logistics considerations within a manufacturing environment.

Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP)

• Understanding of materials planning, capacity planning, and manufacturing requirements planning concepts.

• Familiarity with bills of material, production requirements, and manufacturing cycles.

Problem Solving

• Ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and support implementation of effective solutions.

• Strong analytical and root-cause investigation skills.

Process Improvement

• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Project Management

• Ability to support project objectives, timelines, deliverables, and implementation activities.

Supplier Management

• Understanding of supplier management principles, purchasing processes, supplier relationships, and sourcing activities.

Top candidates will also have:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience desired.

• Experience in supply chain planning, manufacturing operations, materials planning, logistics, procurement, or industrial operations.

• Knowledge of PFEP (Plan for Every Part) methodologies.

• Experience managing or supporting Bill of Materials (BOMs).

• Understanding of lineside delivery, point-of-use replenishment, material presentation, and kitting strategies.

• Familiarity with ERP, SAP, MRP, or other manufacturing planning systems.

• Experience supporting assembly operations or complex manufacturing environments.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as a self-starter while collaborating effectively across teams.

• High personal accountability, integrity, and commitment to delivering quality results.

Additional information:

• Location: The location for this position is Decatur, IL and requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week.

• Relocation: Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.

• Travel: This position may require up to 5% travel.

• Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship or international assignment transfers are not available

Summary Pay Range:

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

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates: