Career Area:
Manufacturing
Job Description:
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.
Role Definition
This role leads all aspects of daily plant operations, including manufacturing and production, maintenance and reliability, engineering support, safety, regulatory compliance, and distribution/warehousing. The leader is accountable for operational performance, people leadership, and asset stewardship while aligning the site to Caterpillar’s broader manufacturing and business objectives.
The ideal candidate has manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in large‑scale or heavy-equipped environments. Prior full‑facility leadership is preferred, but candidates with strong, progressive operations experience will be considered if this role represents a natural next step. Industry experience is beneficial but not required.
The role operates at significant scale, producing large, low‑volume products supported by aging plant assets. Success requires strong judgment in balancing operational performance with long‑term asset strategy, including thoughtful decisions around investment, risk, and sustainability of the facility. The position offers meaningful scope, complexity, and visibility within Caterpillar’s manufacturing organization.
Responsibilities
Lead and maintain a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with all safety policies, proactively identifying hazards, and driving continuous improvement to protect employees, contractors, and visitors
Ensure site operations align with corporate policies and regulatory requirements, including environmental compliance, inventory accuracy, and labor practices
Represent Caterpillar and the facility with professionalism, sound judgment, and composure, including during high‑impact or urgent situations
Build and maintain strong working relationships across all levels of the organization and with key stakeholders
Lead manufacturing operations to deliver high‑quality products at competitive cost through continuous improvement and operational excellence
Use data and stakeholder input to make timely, well‑informed operational decisions
Collaborate closely with product groups, component teams, purchasing, HR, suppliers, and other business partners to achieve shared goals
Coach, mentor, and develop team members to build future talent and leadership capability
Top Candidates Will Bring
15+ years of progressive manufacturing experience and/or supply chain experience
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field preferred
Deep manufacturing leadership expertise, including capacity planning, capital investment, manufacturing engineering, new process development, and execution within component fabrication environments
Strong understanding of supply chain strategy, including sourcing models supporting prime product assembly while meeting cost, quality, and capacity objectives
Demonstrated ability to analyze and act on PQVC metrics to drive operational performance
Demonstrates enterprise mindset and value-based leadership by prioritizing resources to maximize impact across the business
Lead with courage and emotional intelligence, adapting leadership approach to meet situational needs and delivering results
Attracts, develops, and retains top talent to build strong, sustainable teams
What Skills You Will Need
Manufacturing Operations: Knowledge of manufacturing operations; ability to perform day-to-day operations of a manufacturing plant or facility for products.
Quality Management: Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques and ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization.
Performance Management: Knowledge of successful performance management techniques; ability to apply organization's performance management system, practices, and tools to developing and improving individual, team, and organizational performance.
Planning and Organizing: Knowledge of the process of planning and arranging tasks and resources; ability to plan and organize both time and resources to get things completed while structuring and maintaining work in a systematic and highly methodical way.
Additional Information
Location: South Milwaukee
Relocation: Offered
Sponsorship: Not Offered
Travel: 10%
Summary Pay Range:
$172,630.00 - $258,950.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of 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
* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
February 24, 2026 - March 17, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
