Section Manager

Caterpillar Inc.; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Up to 10% Bonus

Contributory pension scheme - Caterpll

Contributory share scheme – Caterpilla

Job summary

Caterpillar Defense at Shrewsbury is seeking a Section Manager to lead the Operations team. You will manage production schedules, supervise a production team, and drive performance of the value stream, delivering People, Quality, Velocity and Cost goals.

This supervisory role requires focus on safety, process improvement, and lean initiatives such as 5S, which align with Caterpillar’s standards. The role may involve shift work at the Shrewsbury facility.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a production schedule and production team within a value stream.
• Ability to meet People, Quality, Velocity and Cost goals.
• Strong lean manufacturing and process improvement background.
• Demonstrated leadership and team development skills.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor and maintain a clean production environment.
• Determine processing needs to meet schedules and production requirements.
• Daily coordination with production management to assign workload and priorities.
• Identify overtime needs and prioritize resources to meet targets.
• Drive efficiency by eliminating non-value-added activities and reducing costs.
• Ensure product quality aligns with Caterpillar Quality Policy and cost targets.
• Order and distribute necessary parts and materials on time.
• Lead 5S, Lean, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

LEAN processes and tools

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Planning and organising

Effective communications

Accuracy and attention to detail

Tools

5S

Lean Manufacturing

6 Sigma

CQMS/ISO certification

Job description

Job Description

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.

Career Area

Manufacturing

Job Title

Section Manager

Salary starting from

£49,519 (Depending on Experience)

Location

Shrewsbury

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave


• Up to 10% Bonus


• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar company contribution up to 10%


• Contributory share scheme – Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.


• Optional flexible benefits include access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.

About Caterpillar Defense

Caterpillar Defense at Shrewsbury is responsible for the design, development and integration of engine and drivetrain packages to meet the needs of tracked and wheeled military products globally. The facility also provides remanufacturing services for industrial military engines, components and transmissions.

The Opportunity

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Section Manager to join the Operations team within Shrewsbury. This is a Supervisory position that will be responsible for managing a production schedule, a production team and overall performance of designated value stream. You will be responsible for meeting Caterpillar’s goals for People, Quality, Velocity and Cost.

What You Will Do

• Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate any unsafe operations and ensure a safe and clean production 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. Works to improve processes, timeliness and reduce costs by eliminating non-value-added activities.


• Ensure the quality of product produced and conform to Caterpillars 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 and recruitment.


• Responsible for running RCCA meetings using various tools “Stop to FiX”, “Fishbone diagrams” for Safety and Quality.

What You Will Have

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.

• Knowledge of LEAN Processes and tools

Data Gathering & Analysis: Knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes; ability to collect and synthesize data from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective manner to reach a conclusion, goal, or judgment.

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.

• A mechanical aptitude with leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.

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.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

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 and maintaining work in a systematic and highly methodical way.

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.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop a cooperative work relationship with others inside and outside the department.

Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.

Top Candidates

• Experience in any of the following disciplines: Engine or Transmission Assembly / Hot Test of Large Assemblies / Machine Shop Traditional and CNC Machining Centres.

Additional Information

• This role may require shift work


• This role is based full tine at the Shrewsbury Facility

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For over 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

N.B. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined. Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

Posting Dates: August 11, 2026 - August 21, 2026

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