Production Manager

Pontiac, Illinois Full time R0000388341 **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:** As a Senior Manager Production, you will lead a team of machinists and/or assembly technicians in a fast-paced manufacturing environment focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence. Pontiac Fuel Systems produces industry-leading fuel injectors and assemblies for off-highway diesel and dual-fuel applications worldwide. In this role, you will be responsible for value stream performance, including budget ownership, resource planning, staffing strategy, and driving continuous improvement through disciplined execution of SPQVC initiatives. **What You Will Do:** + Managing staffing, development, and performance management programs for operations staff; managing, motivating, and developing management team. + Overseeing operations activities, ensuring that safety, and schedules and performance requirements are met and system resources are used effectively. + Monitoring overall operations performance and implementing production safety, cost, and quality control mechanisms. + Ensures the compliance of all regulatory guidelines and forges a safe and sound manufacturing environment. **What Skills You Have:** Production Training: Knowledge of approaches, tools and techniques for delivering formal and informal training on the safe and efficient operation of production machinery; ability to conduct effective formal and situation-specific training. + Conducts needs analysis to determine skill gaps or areas where training is needed. + Develops training programs on the use of new or improved production machines. + Directs staff on the set-up and operation of production machinery for custom or nonstandard jobs. + Evaluates the pros and cons of various training media and the value of each to the organization. + Facilitates the training of employees on new equipment provided by equipment manufacturers. + Measures the value of the training program by gathering pre- and post-training performance metrics. 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. + Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives. + Examines a specific problem and understands the perspective of each involved stakeholder. + Develops alternative techniques for assessing accuracy and relevance of information. - Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decision on resolution. + Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems. + Regularly presents ideas or suggestions to associates in persuasive terms. 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. + Gives continuing feedback, recognizes achievement, and recommends improvement. + Participates in the salary planning and administration process. + Defines and agrees upon performance goals and objectives with associates. + Identifies performance problem areas early on and defines specific improvement activities. + Adjusts and communicates performance objectives as necessary for team objectives. + Publicly shares accolades and recognizes and rewards top performers. Analytical Thinking: 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. + Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue and determining its significance. + Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions. + Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. to disclose meaningful data patterns. + Identifies the major forces, events, and people impacting and impacted by the situation at hand. + Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions. Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. + Reviews others' writing or presentations and provides feedback and coaching. + Adapts documents and presentations for the intended audience. + Demonstrates both empathy and assertiveness when communicating a need or defending a position. + Communicates well downward, upward, and outward. + Employs appropriate methods of persuasion when soliciting agreement. + Maintains focus on the topic at hand. **Top Candidates May Have:** Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. **Additional Information:** + This position requires the selected candidate to work on-site five days a week in the Pontiac, IL facility. + **3rd shift:** Sunday - Thursday 11:00PM - 7:00AM, with OT as needed. + Additional 7% shift differential for 3rd shift. + Domestic relocation assistance is available. + VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. + Please ensure you frequently sign in to your Candidate Home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for: \#LI **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:** August 20, 2026 - August 27, 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 ( . There's more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee's contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we've built.