Production Manager

Caterpillar Inc.•Decatur, IL

6d•$97,530 - $146,290•Onsite

About The Position

As a 1st shift Production Manager in Decatur, Illinois, you will oversee and coordinate a complex production line to ensure safe, high-quality, on-time manufacturing. You will lead daily execution by preparing schedules, resolving production issues, reinforcing operating procedures and standards, developing teams, and strengthening a culture of continuous improvement. The role is on-site five days a week, includes travel up to 5%, and offers relocation assistance. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Ability to identify problems, assess alternatives, and drive practical resolutions using fact-finding and diagnostic tools.
Ability to collect, synthesize, and document data from multiple sources to support decisions and performance improvements.
Ability to set expectations, provide objective feedback, develop talent, and contribute to a strong performance culture.
Ability to define issues, compare solution options, recognize patterns, and apply structured analysis tools.
Ability to organize relevant inputs, clarify priorities, and assess risks and benefits to make sound decisions.
Ability to build action plans, manage competing priorities, and keep production on track with disciplined execution.
Ability to communicate clearly and constructively with teams and stakeholders, deliver feedback, and share expectations.
Ability to ensure precise documentation, reliable reporting, and mistake-proof execution where required.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience desired.

Nice To Haves

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.

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 covering process performance, tooling issues, and 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 by assigning work, coordinating across teams, monitoring performance, removing barriers, and ensuring 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 using 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.