Caterpillar
Group Manager (Production Manager)- 2nd & 3rd Shift
Caterpillar, Lafayette, Indiana, us, 47903
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.
The Large Power Systems Division currently has a 2nd & 3rd shift Group Manager 1 job opening located at our Lafayette, IN facility. In this role, you will be responsible for leading shift operations for multiple value streams in a manufacturing environment to ensure the safe maximization of efficiency in quality, velocity and cost. This position initiates corrective actions and communications to overcome impediments causing delays.
Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to
Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate any unsafe operations/behaviors and ensure a safe and clean production environment within the Assembly Operation.
Ensure processes are followed to meet quality standards. Monitors’ quality metrics and provides direction when necessary.
Coordinate the effective operation of assigned areas of manufacturing to meet established schedules and production requirements while maintaining cost. Develops plans for efficient use of materials, machines and manpower to achieve manufacturing cost, quality and inventory management target during shift.
Ensure proper direction and supervision of activities on assigned shift to maintain effective utilization of personnel and machinery. Ability to quickly diagnose complex problems and reprioritize facility resources in a dynamic environment is essential.
Initiate and conduct process improvement dialogs with Section Managers, Team Leads and Team Members. Drive root cause analysis and utilize ICA’s and PCA’s resolution on all forms of loss, i.e., safety, quality, production.
Implement and support various corporate initiatives such as STOP-TO-FIX, BIQ, 5S, Lean Manufacturing, 6 Sigma, Internal Certification, etc.
Promote development of people through continued education, employee involvement, increased responsibility, and ergonomics. Train and mentor new supervisors on best practices for leading in a manufacturing environment. Sets goals and assist team in meeting quality goals/standards.
This position will be directly responsible for 3rd shift, Assembly Operations and will have indirect responsibility for other operations on this shift. Coordination of material, equipment, manpower and quality on the shift rests with this position as well as meeting customer schedule requirements. Work direction, problem solving and coordination with support departments across all shifts is a major responsibility.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant leadership experience OR Associate's degree and 4 years of relevant leadership experience OR 6 years of relevant leadership experience
5+ years of interaction with assembly and/or machine shop operations, equipment and processes or support.
Must demonstrate good interpersonal skills,
Be able to communicate with others
Strong communication skills
Demonstrate teamwork and have the ability to work with a diverse group of employees and customers’
Must be a self-starter and work with limited direction
Must possess strong motivational skills, a high degree of self-initiative, and a strong customer focus
Be proficient with Microsoft Office products
Be willing to work outside of normal work hours including overtime and alternative shifts
Must be willing to work across all buildings within the LEC campus
Top Candidates will also have
LEC Assembly Experience
Prior 6 Sigma/Lean manufacturing experience.
Strong communication skills
Strong leadership and managerial skills
Ability to direct a diverse team of people to ensure divisional goals are met.
Change management and innovative critical thinking skills in a competitive large engine industry.
Have a mechanical aptitude
Masters degree from an accredited college or university
Achieved a professional certification (ASQ, SME, etc.)
Experience working within an extended value stream methodology with cross departmental collaboration amongst operations, quality, manufacturing engineering, design engineering, supply chain & maintenance
Experience with 3500, 3600, and/or C175 Engines and component manufacturing or other assembly areas
Experience in a management role in machine shop operations, assembly operations, or operations quality
Skill Descriptors 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.
Level Extensive Knowledge
Conducts needs analysis todetermineskill 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 non-standard jobs.
Evaluates the pros and cons of various training media and the value ofeach to theorganization.
Facilitatesthe 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.
Level Working Knowledge
Identifiesand 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 analyzerisksand benefits of alternative approaches and obtaindecisionon resolution.
Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools toidentifyproblems.
Influencing Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impactdecisions within and outside own organization.
Level Working Knowledge
Develops basic persuasive arguments.
Discusses organizational culture around providing input on decisions.
Uses active listening skills and probing techniques to surface opportunities to influence.
Identifieswho the decision makers are and how they receive information.
Regularly presents ideas or suggestions to associates in persuasive terms.
Flexibility and Adaptability Knowledge of successful approaches and techniques for dealing with change; ability to adapt to a changing environment and be comfortable with change.
Level Working Knowledge
Adjusts to new or changing assignments, processes, and people.
Demonstrateswillingness to listen to other opinions.
Provides examples of shifting from task to task.
Identifiesand considers alternative approaches to situations or problems.
Accepts new or radical ideas with an open mind; avoids snap reactions.
Performance Management Knowledge of successful performance management techniques; ability to apply organization's performance management system, practices, and tools todevelopingandimprovingindividual, team, and organizational performance.
Level Extensive Knowledge
Gives continuing feedback, recognizes achievement, and recommends improvement.
Participatesin the salary planning and administration process.
Defines and agrees upon performance goals andobjectiveswith associates.
Identifiesperformance problem areas early on and defines specific>
Adjusts and communicates performanceobjectivesas necessary for teamobjectives.
Publiclyshares accolades and recognizesand rewards top performers.
Analytical Thinking Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability todeterminethe root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
Level Working Knowledge
Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue anddeterminingits significance.
Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions.
Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. todisclosemeaningful data patterns.
Identifiesthe major forces, events, and peopleimpactingandimpacted by the situation at hand.
Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions.
Planning and Organizing Knowledge of the process of planning and arranging tasks and resources; ability to plan and organize both time and resources to get things completed while structuring andmaintainingwork in a systematic and highly methodical way.
Level Working Knowledge
Raises awareness of potential bottlenecks and disruptions to the schedule.
Breaks tasks into manageable steps that can be incorporated into a personal work plan.
Escalates concerns over competing or conflicting priorities.
Monitorsprogress continuously and adjusts tactics for handling situations on acase by casebasis.
Creates action plans that ensure the accomplishment of responsibilities.
Effective Communications Understanding of effective communication concepts,toolsand techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application ofappropriate communicationbehaviors.
Level Extensive Knowledge
Reviews others' writing or presentations and provides feedback and coaching.
Adapts documents and presentations for the intended audience.
Demonstratesboth empathy and assertiveness when communicating a need or defending a position.
Communicates well downward, upward, and outward.
Employsappropriate methodsof persuasion whensolicitingagreement.
Maintainsfocus on the topic at hand.
#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. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Posting Dates January 7, 2026 - January 21, 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
The Large Power Systems Division currently has a 2nd & 3rd shift Group Manager 1 job opening located at our Lafayette, IN facility. In this role, you will be responsible for leading shift operations for multiple value streams in a manufacturing environment to ensure the safe maximization of efficiency in quality, velocity and cost. This position initiates corrective actions and communications to overcome impediments causing delays.
Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to
Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate any unsafe operations/behaviors and ensure a safe and clean production environment within the Assembly Operation.
Ensure processes are followed to meet quality standards. Monitors’ quality metrics and provides direction when necessary.
Coordinate the effective operation of assigned areas of manufacturing to meet established schedules and production requirements while maintaining cost. Develops plans for efficient use of materials, machines and manpower to achieve manufacturing cost, quality and inventory management target during shift.
Ensure proper direction and supervision of activities on assigned shift to maintain effective utilization of personnel and machinery. Ability to quickly diagnose complex problems and reprioritize facility resources in a dynamic environment is essential.
Initiate and conduct process improvement dialogs with Section Managers, Team Leads and Team Members. Drive root cause analysis and utilize ICA’s and PCA’s resolution on all forms of loss, i.e., safety, quality, production.
Implement and support various corporate initiatives such as STOP-TO-FIX, BIQ, 5S, Lean Manufacturing, 6 Sigma, Internal Certification, etc.
Promote development of people through continued education, employee involvement, increased responsibility, and ergonomics. Train and mentor new supervisors on best practices for leading in a manufacturing environment. Sets goals and assist team in meeting quality goals/standards.
This position will be directly responsible for 3rd shift, Assembly Operations and will have indirect responsibility for other operations on this shift. Coordination of material, equipment, manpower and quality on the shift rests with this position as well as meeting customer schedule requirements. Work direction, problem solving and coordination with support departments across all shifts is a major responsibility.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant leadership experience OR Associate's degree and 4 years of relevant leadership experience OR 6 years of relevant leadership experience
5+ years of interaction with assembly and/or machine shop operations, equipment and processes or support.
Must demonstrate good interpersonal skills,
Be able to communicate with others
Strong communication skills
Demonstrate teamwork and have the ability to work with a diverse group of employees and customers’
Must be a self-starter and work with limited direction
Must possess strong motivational skills, a high degree of self-initiative, and a strong customer focus
Be proficient with Microsoft Office products
Be willing to work outside of normal work hours including overtime and alternative shifts
Must be willing to work across all buildings within the LEC campus
Top Candidates will also have
LEC Assembly Experience
Prior 6 Sigma/Lean manufacturing experience.
Strong communication skills
Strong leadership and managerial skills
Ability to direct a diverse team of people to ensure divisional goals are met.
Change management and innovative critical thinking skills in a competitive large engine industry.
Have a mechanical aptitude
Masters degree from an accredited college or university
Achieved a professional certification (ASQ, SME, etc.)
Experience working within an extended value stream methodology with cross departmental collaboration amongst operations, quality, manufacturing engineering, design engineering, supply chain & maintenance
Experience with 3500, 3600, and/or C175 Engines and component manufacturing or other assembly areas
Experience in a management role in machine shop operations, assembly operations, or operations quality
Skill Descriptors 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.
Level Extensive Knowledge
Conducts needs analysis todetermineskill 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 non-standard jobs.
Evaluates the pros and cons of various training media and the value ofeach to theorganization.
Facilitatesthe 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.
Level Working Knowledge
Identifiesand 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 analyzerisksand benefits of alternative approaches and obtaindecisionon resolution.
Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools toidentifyproblems.
Influencing Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impactdecisions within and outside own organization.
Level Working Knowledge
Develops basic persuasive arguments.
Discusses organizational culture around providing input on decisions.
Uses active listening skills and probing techniques to surface opportunities to influence.
Identifieswho the decision makers are and how they receive information.
Regularly presents ideas or suggestions to associates in persuasive terms.
Flexibility and Adaptability Knowledge of successful approaches and techniques for dealing with change; ability to adapt to a changing environment and be comfortable with change.
Level Working Knowledge
Adjusts to new or changing assignments, processes, and people.
Demonstrateswillingness to listen to other opinions.
Provides examples of shifting from task to task.
Identifiesand considers alternative approaches to situations or problems.
Accepts new or radical ideas with an open mind; avoids snap reactions.
Performance Management Knowledge of successful performance management techniques; ability to apply organization's performance management system, practices, and tools todevelopingandimprovingindividual, team, and organizational performance.
Level Extensive Knowledge
Gives continuing feedback, recognizes achievement, and recommends improvement.
Participatesin the salary planning and administration process.
Defines and agrees upon performance goals andobjectiveswith associates.
Identifiesperformance problem areas early on and defines specific>
Adjusts and communicates performanceobjectivesas necessary for teamobjectives.
Publiclyshares accolades and recognizesand rewards top performers.
Analytical Thinking Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability todeterminethe root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
Level Working Knowledge
Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue anddeterminingits significance.
Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions.
Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. todisclosemeaningful data patterns.
Identifiesthe major forces, events, and peopleimpactingandimpacted by the situation at hand.
Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions.
Planning and Organizing Knowledge of the process of planning and arranging tasks and resources; ability to plan and organize both time and resources to get things completed while structuring andmaintainingwork in a systematic and highly methodical way.
Level Working Knowledge
Raises awareness of potential bottlenecks and disruptions to the schedule.
Breaks tasks into manageable steps that can be incorporated into a personal work plan.
Escalates concerns over competing or conflicting priorities.
Monitorsprogress continuously and adjusts tactics for handling situations on acase by casebasis.
Creates action plans that ensure the accomplishment of responsibilities.
Effective Communications Understanding of effective communication concepts,toolsand techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application ofappropriate communicationbehaviors.
Level Extensive Knowledge
Reviews others' writing or presentations and provides feedback and coaching.
Adapts documents and presentations for the intended audience.
Demonstratesboth empathy and assertiveness when communicating a need or defending a position.
Communicates well downward, upward, and outward.
Employsappropriate methodsof persuasion whensolicitingagreement.
Maintainsfocus on the topic at hand.
#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. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Posting Dates January 7, 2026 - January 21, 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr