Manager Production

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. Production Manager – Automated Operations Location: East Peoria, IL (LL,NN) Travel: Up to 5% Relocation Assistance: Available Visa Sponsorship: Not Available Job Summary As a Production Manager – Automated Operations , you will lead a complex manufacturing operation responsible for integrating and operating automated manufacturing processes, including but not limited to burn-to-shape, parts nesting, metal bending, milling, drilling, and other modern manufacturing technologies .  This position oversees and owns the process development and execution, coordinates production activities, resolves operational issues, develops employees, and ensures compliance with safety and quality standards. You will partner across manufacturing, quality, engineering, supply chain, and logistics teams to execute business objectives while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Monitor equipment performance and process reliability, investigate problem areas, and support corrective actions that improve production results. Lead engineering support for the planning, development, operation, installation, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment, processes, and facilities. Use structured problem-solving, fact-finding, and diagnostic tools to define manufacturing issues, evaluate alternatives, and support informed decisions. Develop project plans, estimates, schedules, resource requirements, and status updates for assigned manufacturing engineering initiatives. Provide technical direction, coaching, and development support to operations technical staff and other manufacturing support teams. Lead and coordinate the daily activities of a complex production operation to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing performance. Supervise, coach, and develop production employees and frontline leaders while promoting employee engagement and accountability. Drive manufacturing performance through production planning, resource allocation, problem resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure compliance with established safety, quality, environmental, and operational standards. Analyze production metrics, inventory data, system performance, and operational reports to identify opportunities for improvement. Develop and maintain procedures, documentation, and work practices that support operational excellence. Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to improve productivity, quality, and overall manufacturing effectiveness. Create a culture centered on safety, continuous improvement, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Problem Solving: Ability to identify engineering and operational challenges, evaluate alternatives, analyze risks, and implement effective solutions. Data Gathering & Analysis: Experience collecting, analyzing, and utilizing operational data to drive informed business decisions and performance improvements. Performance Management: Demonstrated ability to coach employees, provide actionable feedback, and support workforce development initiatives. Analytical Thinking: Capability to evaluate complex situations, determine root causes, and implement new processes and controls . Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Proven ability to organize information, prioritize competing demands, and make sound operational decisions for newly developed manufacturing processes and equipment . Planning & Organizing: Experience