Production Manager
Caterpillar · Decatur, IL
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $89k–$134k
- Travel
- 5%
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 9 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Caterpillar (industrial) in Decatur, IL. Preparing, maintaining, and updating documentation related to operating procedures and safety and quality standards; ensuring all processes and products meet desired safety and quality standards.
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma
- Base pay
- $89k–$134k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage · about 5% travel · relocation help
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 19 other live production postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- About 11% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $100k–$150k, from 12 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 40%
- Root cause 35%
- ✓ Lean 35%
- SAP 30%
- EHS / safety 25%
- Tooling 20%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Caterpillar
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- The posting says about 5% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from CaterpillarAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
We are seeking an off shift Production Manager to join our team in Decatur, IL. The ideal candidate will oversee and coordinate the activities of a complex production line, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. This role involves preparing schedules, resolving issues, and maintaining documentation related to operating procedures. If you are passionate about improving safety, productivity, and quality, and have a proven track record in production management, we encourage you to apply.
(Key Responsibilities)
- ◆Creating reports and records of production processes, tools issues performance, and inventory; sharing them with managers and providing suggestions to improve safety, productivity, and quality.
- ◆Preparing, maintaining, and updating documentation related to operating procedures and safety and quality standards; ensuring all processes and products meet desired safety and quality standards.
- ◆Supervising and directing the daily activities of production line workers, assigning tasks, ensuring coordination between different teams, ensuring their safety, and monitoring their performance.
- ◆Training new hires, managing scheduling and ensuring that all team members are well-equipped to perform their duties effectively.
- ◆Collaborating with various departments to ensure smooth production operations and resolve any issues that may arise.
What You Have (Required Skills)
- ✓Proven experience in production management, preferably in a complex production environment.
- ✓Strong understanding of safety and quality standards in a production setting.
- ✓Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- ✓Ability to create and maintain detailed documentation related to production processes.
- ✓Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve issues efficiently.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
Production Manager
Location: Decatur, IL
Relocation Assistance: Offered
Visa Sponsorship: Not offered
Travel: Up to 5%
Work Arrangement: On-site
Preferred Skills
- +Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and practices.
- +Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies.
- +Familiarity with ERP systems and production management software.
- +Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- +Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Provided
Summary Pay Range
$89,210.00 - $133,810.00
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
October 14, 2026 - October 25, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .