Manager Production

Career Area:

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.

This position oversees and coordinates the activities of a more complex production line, prepares schedules, resolves issues, and ensures adherence to safety and quality standards.

What You Will Do:

• Lead daily paint line operations (pretreatment, spraying, curing and inspection) to deliver production plans with safe, stable and efficient output.
• Supervise, coach and schedule line operators and technicians, and ensure they are trained and qualified for their positions.
• Own paint quality (film thickness, color, adhesion, appearance) and first-pass yield, leading defect analysis and corrective and preventive actions.
• Enforce EHS requirements and safe work practices, including hazardous chemical handling, VOC emission control, fire prevention and waste management.
• Keep spray equipment, booths, ovens and paint supply systems running reliably, working with Maintenance and Engineering on preventive maintenance and breakdowns.
• Control paint, solvent and consumable usage and cost, and drive continuous improvement (5S, lean, standard work) to cut waste, energy use and cycle time.
• Track production KPIs (output, yield, downtime, safety) and work with Quality, Logistics and other departments to resolve issues and support delivery.
• Act as backup for other production line supervisors when they are absent to keep production running without interruption when necessary

What Skills You Will Have:

• Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking: Finds root causes using fact-finding and tools such as Pareto charts and fishbone diagrams and compares alternative solutions before deciding.
• Planning and Organizing: Anticipates bottlenecks and schedule disruptions, tracks progress, adjusts tactics, and escalates conflicting priorities.
• People Leadership: Gives fair, objective feedback, spots development opportunities, and uses recognition to motivate the team.
• Effective Communications: Communicates clearly with operators and other departments, listens openly, and avoids unnecessary technical jargon.
• Attention to Detail: Recognizes which tasks and outputs demand precision and follows procedures to keep results mistake-free.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent experience desired
• 3+ years of experience in paint/coating production management, including at least 1 year supervising a spray line (pretreatment, spraying, curing)
• Solid knowledge of spray-painting processes, paint quality standards and paint shop EHS requirements
• Proven experience leading a production team in a manufacturing environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in paint shops for automotive, heavy equipment or other large-scale manufacturing
• Hands-on experience with automated spray robots and production data systems (e.g., MES/ERP)
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (e.g., Green Belt) or formal training in structured problem solving (e.g., 8D) 

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.