Production Manager

Caterpillar Inc.•Decatur, IL

12d•$97,530 - $146,290•Onsite

About The Position

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. There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.

Requirements

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.
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 (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.