Director Manufacturing Operations

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. Caterpillar Paving Products is seeking a strategic, results-driven Director, Manufacturing Operations to lead manufacturing operations at our Brooklyn Park, Minnesota facility. This senior operations leader role provides full end-to-end site accountability for safety, quality, velocity, cost, people development, maintenance, manufacturing engineering, supply chain, warehousing, logistics, and operational performance. Located in the northwest Twin Cities metro area, the Brooklyn Park facility is a 400k square-foot manufacturing operation that produces industry-leading Asphalt Paving and Compaction Products. Working closely with the product group and engineering the Operations Director will drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction while ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production. This role is responsible for a single manufacturing site and provides leadership for a complex, vertically integrated operation that includes logistics/warehousing, fabrication, paint, assembly, testing, inspection, and distribution activities.

Lead all aspects of plant operations including manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, quality, supply chain, warehousing, and distribution. Establish and sustain a world-class safety culture while ensuring compliance with all environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements. Drive operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and productivity metrics. Lead Modern Manufacturing, Lean, and continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, efficiency, quality, asset utilization, and business performance. Lead production planning and execution to meet customer demand and delivery commitments. Develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, operating systems, equipment utilization, and plant infrastructure. Partner with engineering, quality, supply chain, and business leaders to support new product introductions and long-term growth objectives. Build and develop high-performing teams through talent acquisition, coaching, performance management, and succession planning. Utilize operational data and root-cause analysis to drive sustainable corrective actions and continuous improvement. Drive accountability through disciplined execution, effective communication, and strategic initiatives that strengthen manufacturing competitiveness and scalability. What You Have: Leadership & Operations Management Proven leadership experience managing large-scale manufacturing operations, plant operations, or production facilities. Experience leading cross-functional teams across production, maintenance, engineering, quality, supply chain, logistics, and warehousing. Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment across multiple functions. Manufacturing Operations & Continuous Improvement Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, production management, operational excellence, and Lean Manufacturing principles. Experience improving productivity, quality, safety, cost performance, and operational efficiency. Ability to develop and implement manufacturing strategies that support business and customer requirements. Safety & Quality Leadership Demonstrated success creating and sustaining a strong safety culture. Deep knowledge of quality management systems, quality metrics, and continuous improvement methodologies. Experience