Career Area:
Strategy
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.
We are seeking a Lean Manufacturing Project Manager to lead transformation initiatives across our manufacturing operations. In this role, you will touch every aspect of the manufacturing business—from undercarriage and heat treat to assembly—driving enterprise‑level change and operational excellence.
If you are energized by full‑scale manufacturing transformation, thrive in complex environments, and want to see your work deliver measurable business results, this role is for you.
What You’ll Do
Lead full manufacturing transformation initiatives, applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to deliver sustainable improvements across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Design, develop, and deploy Lean and Six Sigma systems, tools, and operating models that elevate business performance and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
Own and manage a portfolio of Six Sigma projects, ensuring measurable outcomes aligned to strategic business priorities.
Serve as a technical coach and mentor to Green Belts and cross‑functional teams, guiding them through project planning, execution, and results realization.
Integrate Lean thinking into daily operations, influencing how work is done across manufacturing, engineering, and support functions.
Partner with leaders and teams across the business to drive operational excellence and enable long‑term transformation.
What Makes This Role Exciting
You will influence the entire manufacturing value stream, not just a single process or department.
Your work will directly support enterprise‑wide operational excellence and modern manufacturing transformation initiatives.
You’ll move beyond tools and events—this role is about changing how the business operates.
What skills you will have:
Process Improvement: Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in quality, cost, delivery, and safety. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC) applied in manufacturing environments. Proficiency with Lean tools such as value stream mapping, standard work, Kaizen, 5S, and root cause analysis.
Project Management: End‑to‑end project management experience, including scope definition, scheduling, risk management, and results tracking. Ability to manage multiple Lean / Six Sigma projects simultaneously and align them to strategic business objectives. Strong governance, prioritization, and stakeholder alignment skills to drive execution and accountability.
Influencing: Strong change management and influencing skills to embed Lean behaviors and sustain improvements over time. Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams in complex manufacturing environments. Ability to coach and mentor Green Belt practitioners through successful project execution.
Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Top Candidates will also have:
Hands‑on experience in manufacturing operations such as assembly, heat treat, or heavy equipment environments.
6 Sigma Blackbelt Certification.
Experience with full business transformation.
Additional Information:
The primary work location for this role is East Peoria, IL, with a requirement to work on-site full-time at a Caterpillar facility.
Domestic relocation assistance is available.
This role might require 10 % travel.
Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Closing Date is April 15, 2026.
Summary Pay Range:
$112,710.00 - $169,060.00
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
This position requires working onsite five days a week.Relocation is available for this position.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
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.
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