Production Manager

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.

Manufacturing

Job Title: Section Manager

Location: Peterlee

Salary: £41,593- £51,992

Hours: Full Time, Permanent 36.5 hrs/week

Job Reference: R

Hiring Manager: Keith Robinson

Posting Dates: February 10, 2026 – February 24, 2026

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 10% annual bonus
• Contributory pension scheme – Caterpillar doubles employee contribution up to 10%
• Contributory share scheme – Caterpillar matches 50% of employee contribution
• Optional flexible benefits including access to family health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase

This is a supervisory position that will be responsible for managing a production process schedule, its operators/technicians, and overall performance within a designated value stream. You will be responsible for meeting Caterpillar’s goals for People, Quality, Velocity, and Cost that support a 24/7 operation.

• Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate any unsafe operations and ensure a safe and clean product environment.
• Determine processing needs to assure fixtures, tooling, and methods are provided to meet schedules and production requirements.
• Daily tie‑in with production management to designate workload, priorities, and sequence for work assigned.
• Determine overtime need, determine priorities when resources are insufficient, and decide when disciplinary action is necessary.
• Suggest changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency; work to improve processes, timeliness and reduce costs by eliminating non‑value added activities.
• Ensure the quality of product produced and conforms to Caterpillar’s Quality Policy while maintaining cost.
• Ensure necessary parts and materials are ordered and distributed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Implement various corporate initiatives such as 5S, Lean Manufacturing, 6 Sigma, CQMS/ISO certification, etc.
• Responsible for training and development of staff, time keeping, estimating personnel needs, assigning work, meeting completion dates, and ensuring consistent application of organizational needs.

This job exists only in those locations where the Section Manager has primary responsibility for the performance of multiple shifts, for direct production and support functions. The Section Manager will supervise hourly employees and may also supervise lower‑level Section Managers. Adheres to established standards, policies and practices relating to quality, cost reduction, safety, ergonomics, affirmative action, etc. in performing assigned duties.

Employee is also responsible for performing other job duties as assigned by Caterpillar management from time to time.

Degree or equivalent experience desired

• Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques.
• Ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization.

• 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.

• 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 and maintaining work in a systematic and highly methodical way.

• Understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods and ability to maintain focus on the continuous improvement of processes, products and services.

• Knowledge of human resources and talent management…