Senior Production Manager

Caterpillar Inc. • Decatur, IL

4d • $112,710 - $169,060 • Onsite

About The Position

Join Caterpillar as a Senior Manager of Production and lead the day-to-day operations of a large manufacturing facility or multiple facilities in Decatur. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, safety, and quality across all shifts. You will manage staffing, develop high-performing teams, and implement lean manufacturing and Built-in Quality (BIQ) principles to ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective production. This position is ideal for a hands-on leader with deep expertise in fabrication, machining, and assembly, and a passion for continuous improvement and performance management.

Requirements

• Manufacturing Operations: Oversees daily production activities, ensures cross-functional coordination, and enforces safety compliance across manufacturing workflows.
• Manufacturing Safety: Leads OSHA-compliant safety inspections, develops emergency protocols, and fosters a proactive safety culture for employees and contractors.
• Quality Management: Conducts quality reviews and implements assurance processes using Six Sigma, ISO 9000, or Baldrige standards to drive continuous improvement.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops contingency plans, manages competing priorities, and monitors execution to ensure operational goals are met.
• Performance Management: Provides coaching and feedback, supports employee development, and leverages recognition programs to enhance team performance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading operations in large-scale manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in lean transformation and safety leadership.
• Familiarity with BIQ and global manufacturing standards.
• Strong leadership in cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing operations management team.
• Oversee staffing, development, and performance management programs.
• Ensure safety, schedule adherence, and production targets are met.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, cost, and quality.
• Implement lean manufacturing and BIQ principles.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and safety standards.
• Manage fabrication, machining, and assembly operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, IT, and customer service teams.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
• 401(k) savings plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Health Lifestyle Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
• Career Development
• Incentive bonus
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Parental leave
• Adoption benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees