Product Development Operations Manager - Endurance

Caterpillar Inc.•Sanford, NC

21h•$81,370 - $122,060•Onsite

About The Position

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. Caterpillar’s BCP division is hiring a Product Development Operations Manager - Endurance supporting first shift endurance operations at the Sanford Machine Development Center (SMDC) and other local sites in the Sanford, NC area. Role Summary The Product Development Operations Manager – Endurance is responsible for leading product development endurance operations team at the Sanford Machine Development Center (SMDC) and other local locations. This role leads a team of 15-20 hourly and agency endurance operators and at times directs prove design and logistics technicians, technologists, and other support personnel as needed. The endurance manager plans and defines endurance operations, primarily for first shift, but also provides guidance into second shift endurance operations as well. They ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of endurance and validation activities based on customer applications in support of new product introduction and ongoing product development efforts. They’re responsible for identifying and initial investigation of issues, as well as documenting and communicating with product, system, and technology team stakeholders. Additionally, they support site maintenance, erosion control compliance, and field preparation efforts.

Requirements

Analytical Thinking – Ability to analyze operational and organizational problems, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions.
Planning & Organizing – Effectively plan work, manage resources, and adjust priorities to ensure commitments are met.
Talent & Performance Management – Lead, develop, and motivate employees while applying performance management practices and quickly address performance issues.
Operational Safety Leadership – Strong knowledge of operational safety requirements with the ability to identify hazards, ensure compliance, and promote a safe work environment.
Communication & Collaboration – Communicate effectively across technical, operational, and leadership teams to achieve shared goals.
Decision Making & Critical Thinking – Use data, experience, and judgment to make timely and effective decisions in a dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with real world customer applications and execution
Degree or equivalent experience in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or a related field.
Prior supervisory or operations leadership experience in manufacturing, test, or product development environments.
Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), validation, endurance testing, or similar product development activities.
Familiarity with Caterpillar equipment, product development processes, or manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

Operations Management – Lead first-shift endurance operations and support second-shift as needed; direct day-to-day execution by assigning work, resolving issues, and coordinating across functions to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
Strategic Execution – Define and execute endurance, validation, and test strategies supporting multiple Sanford-engineered products and collaborate with CMDC operations as needed and to drive alignment and leverage resources across facilities.
Safety Excellence – Champion EHS leadership by enforcing standards, engaging in safety leadership teams, and driving continuous improvement.
People Development – Coach, develop, and engage team members to build capability, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Quickly and effectively deal with work site conflict and performance or behavioral issues as needed.
Operational Performance Improvement – Monitor endurance results using metrics and reviews; apply structured problem-solving to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Planning & Risk – Monitor endurance forecasts, plan resources and schedules accordingly, while proactively identifying and mitigating risks, constraints, and competing priorities.
Financial & Compliance – Identify improvement needs, manage operating budgets; support capital planning and ensure compliance with procedures, documentation, and quality standards.