Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Production Manager

Location: Decatur, IL

Relocation Assistance: Offered

Visa Sponsorship: Not offered

Travel: Up to 5%

Work Arrangement: On-site

Job Summary

As 1st shift Production Manager in Decatur, Illinois, you will oversee and coordinate a complex production line, ensuring safe, high‑quality, on‑time manufacturing. You’ll lead daily execution by preparing schedules, resolving production issues, and reinforcing operating procedures and standards, while developing teams and strengthening a culture of continuous improvement.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate day‑to‑day execution for a complex production line, aligning staffing, materials flow, and priorities to meet safety, quality, and delivery commitments.
• Create and maintain production reports and records (process performance, tooling issues, inventory) and provide actionable recommendations to improve safety, productivity, and quality.
• Prepare, maintain, and improve standard operating documentation, ensuring processes and products meet defined safety and quality standards.
• Supervise and direct production teams: assign work, coordinate across teams, monitor performance, remove barriers, and ensure a safe work environment.
• Train and onboard new team members; manage scheduling and resolve work conflicts to maintain stable, efficient shift execution.
• Troubleshoot operational issues with a structured approach; identify root causes, evaluate options, and implement effective countermeasures.
• Communicate clearly up, down, and across the organization to sustain alignment, accountability, and consistent production results.

Required Skills

• Problem Solving: Ability to identify problems, assess alternatives, and drive practical resolutions using fact‑finding and diagnostic tools.
• Data Gathering & Analysis: Ability to collect, synthesize, and document data from multiple sources to support decisions and performance improvements.
• Performance Management: Ability to set expectations, provide objective feedback, develop talent, and contribute to a strong performance culture.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to define issues, compare solution options, recognize patterns, and apply structured analysis tools.
• Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Ability to organize relevant inputs, clarify priorities, and assess risks/benefits to make sound decisions.
• Planning & Organizing: Ability to build action plans, manage competing priorities, and keep production on track with disciplined execution.
• Effective Communications: Ability to communicate clearly and constructively with teams and stakeholders; deliver feedback and share expectations.
• Accuracy & Attention to Detail: Ability to ensure precise documentation, reliable reporting, and mistake‑proof execution where required.
• Education: bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience desired.

Preferred Skills

• Experience leading production in a complex manufacturing environment, including multi‑team coordination and shift leadership.
• Knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing continuous improvement principles.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma methods and data‑driven problem solving.

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

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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