NPI Team Leader

Caterpillar•Tucson, IL

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar’s Autonomy & Automation Customer Success division is currently seeking an NPI Team Leader to lead programs within the Detect portfolio that supports Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) and Driver Safety System (DSS). In this role, you will lead an enterprise-wide functional team which manages all phases of the New Product Introduction (NPI) process supporting technology solutions within our mining business.

Requirements

Effective Communication: Communicates clearly with diverse audiences, including senior leadership and cross functional teams. Delivers complex program and investment information with clarity and influence. Strengthens communication culture and coach’s others on effective communication practices.
Program Management: Leads large, complex, multi-functional programs. Skilled in Caterpillar’s NPI process, cross-functional leadership, and phase-gate execution. Applies Six Sigma and CPI methodologies to improve quality, cost, and delivery. Oversees risk management, governance, reporting, and stakeholder alignment across integrated projects. Coaches project managers and drives program visibility through strong communication and controls.
Planning (Tactical & Strategic): Develops and executes tactical plans supporting major programs and NPI initiatives. Aligns resources, schedules, and budgets with broader business strategy. Integrates multi-functional planning across engineering, commercial, product support, field operations, supply chain, and finance.
Bachelor’s Degree from Accredited College or University
Technical Degree

Nice To Haves

Proven experience as a Product/Project manager in an enterprise environment
Knowledge of NPI Process
Extensive experience collaborating across cross functional teams for Project Management success.
Prior experience and understanding of mining machines and technology preferred

Responsibilities

Defines NPI Program deliverables, scope, timelines and financial business case.
Develops overall NPI program schedule considering customer and business requirements of all teams involved from product development to validation and value chain readiness.
Creates, leads and coordinates NPI Gate Reviews and other stakeholder reviews.
Manages the NPI Program Team to achieve program goals for time, cost, and quality.
Acts as a link between all the teams and workstreams involved in NPI Program execution to drive a consistent approach, identify gaps, and lead decision making.
Ensures that the necessary resources are in place to support the programs.
Executes the NPI process within the NPI management tool.
Provides input to the multi-year Autonomy & Automation product strategy.
Executes NPI programs to support the Autonomy & Automation product strategy.