Section Manager

Caterpillar•Mapleton, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Job Summary: The Production Manager is responsible for leading manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, and productivity targets are met. This role oversees daily production activities, manages team performance, and drives continuous improvement through Lean and quality initiatives. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, operational expertise, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Manufacturing Operations: Lead and oversee daily production activities to ensure output meets quality and delivery targets. Coordinate cross-functional teams to resolve production bottlenecks and maintain workflow efficiency. Monitor equipment performance and initiate corrective actions to minimize downtime. Apply knowledge of manufacturing processes and SAP systems to optimize operations and reporting.
Quality Management: Drive adherence to quality standards and lead root cause analysis for product defects. Collaborate with quality assurance teams to implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Lead End to End BIQ initiative in value streams resulting in true PCA beyond administrative measures Utilize knowledge of quality concepts and Lean principles to reduce waste and improve consistency. Promote a culture of quality by training teams on inspection techniques and quality expectations.
Planning and Organizing: Develop and manage production schedules aligned with demand forecasts and inventory levels. Allocate resources effectively to meet production goals while minimizing waste. Use Microsoft tools (Excel, Project, Teams) to track progress, manage data, and communicate plans. Use SAP to track production standard hours results Use SAP to coordinate with supply chain and logistics to ensure timely availability of materials.
Talent Management: Recruit, onboard, and develop production team members to build a high-performing workforce. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to support employee growth. Leverage previous experience as a lead or supervisor to mentor team members and resolve conflicts. Identify skill gaps and implement training programs, including blueprint reading and safety practices.
A degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred but not required. Candidates may also demonstrate equivalent knowledge through relevant professional experience.

Responsibilities

Manage daily production operations to meet safety, quality, and delivery goals.
Lead and develop a high-performing team, providing coaching, feedback, and support.
Plan and coordinate schedules, resources, and materials to ensure efficient workflow.
Monitor KPIs and use SAP and Microsoft tools to track performance and drive improvements.
Ensure compliance with quality standards and apply Lean principles to reduce waste.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and support continuous improvement.
Interpret blueprints and technical drawings to guide production accuracy.
Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to all safety protocols.