Senior Program Specialist

Caterpillar•Lafayette, LA

11d•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. About LPSD The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is part of Caterpillar’s Power & Energy segment. Through this global organization, Caterpillar designs and manufactures large (greater than 18 liters) diesel and natural gas engines, powertrains and key engine systems. LPSD products and solutions support customers across power generation, industrial, marine, oil & gas, rail, services and Cat® machine applications worldwide. LPSD teams work across regions and functions to deliver safe, reliable and compliant solutions that help solve our customers’ toughest challenges. Job Summary As a Senior Program Specialist, you will play a key role in advancing strategic business initiatives that support global capacity growth and operational excellence. This highly visible position partners with leaders across manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and operations to drive complex programs and deliver impactful business results. You will lead cross-functional efforts, provide executive-level reporting and insights, and help ensure critical initiatives remain aligned with organizational objectives. Success in this role requires strong program leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple levels of the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Extensive experience and knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational (short term), tactical (1-2 years) and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall business plan.
Extensive experience and knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
Extensive experience and knowledge of successful approaches and techniques for dealing with change; ability to adapt to a changing environment and be comfortable with change.
Working knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization.
Extensive experience and knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers.
Prior experience leading large-scale projects, programs, or business initiatives in a manufacturing: supply chain, logistics, operations, or related environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
Experience developing and presenting recommendations, project updates, and business insights to leadership audiences.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting large-scale capacity expansion, operational growth, or facility start-up initiatives.
Background in high-volume manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, or distribution operations.
Experience managing capital investment (CAPEX) projects or supporting major capital programs.
Demonstrated success communicating with executive leadership and presenting business recommendations to senior stakeholders.
Strong data analytics and data storytelling capabilities, including the ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights.
Experience utilizing business intelligence and reporting tools to support strategic decision-making.
PMP, Lean, Six Sigma, or other project/program management certifications.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate complex programs and projects that support strategic business objectives and global capacity growth initiatives.
Drive alignment across multiple facilities and cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of project deliverables.
Manage project plans, timelines, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder communications.
Monitor program performance and progress, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies to keep initiatives on track.
Analyze operational and business data to develop insights, recommendations, and executive-level reporting.
Prepare and deliver presentations for senior leaders and executive stakeholders, translating complex information into clear business narratives.
Facilitate cross-functional problem-solving efforts and drive resolution of issues impacting project success.
Support long-range planning activities while balancing tactical execution and day-to-day program management responsibilities.
Ensure adherence to project management processes, governance standards, and reporting requirements.
Build strong partnerships across operations, supply chain, logistics, engineering, and other business functions to achieve program objectives.