Section Manager 4

Caterpillar; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 79,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave + holiday buying

Up to 20% Annual Bonus

Monthly Vehicle Allowance

Contributory pension scheme - Caterp​i

Contributory share scheme - Caterp​i

Flexible benefits incl health/dental,

EV car lease

Job summary

Caterpillar in Peterlee is seeking a Senior Production Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations, delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective production outcomes. You will drive continuous improvement, develop leadership capability, and uphold safety, quality, and delivery across the operation.

The role requires significant leadership experience in manufacturing, managing large multi-process teams, and strong data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• 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 successful performance management techniques; ability to apply organization's performance management system, practices, and tools to developing and improving individual, team, and organizational performance.
• 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

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations within an assigned production area, ensuring performance targets for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity are achieved.
• Create and maintain a culture that prioritises health, safety, environmental compliance, and employee wellbeing.
• Plan and coordinate production activities to ensure efficient use of labour, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Manage operational performance through the analysis of production metrics and the implementation of improvement plans.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using recognised methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and quality management systems.
• Ensure production processes, tooling, equipment, and operational methods support manufacturing requirements and customer demand.
• Work collaboratively with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other functions to resolve operational challenges and improve performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, optimise processes, and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Lead workforce planning activities, including resource allocation, scheduling, training, skills development, and succession planning.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management to support employee growth and organisational objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, company policies, and manufacturing standards.
• Support the implementation of strategic business initiatives and operational improvement programmes.
• Establish clear communication processes across shifts and teams to ensure alignment on priorities, performance, and operational objectives.
• Manage operational risks and make informed decisions regarding production priorities, capacity constraints, and resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership experience

Large operational teams

Data analysis

Manufacturing processes

Quality compliance

Communication

People development

Inclusive culture

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

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.

Job Title:

Senior Production Manager

Location:

Peterlee

Salary:

£79,424 - £85,000 DOE

Hours:

Full Time, Permanent 36.5

Job Reference:

R0000398015

Additional Information

• Approximately 10% travel required
• 5 Days on site

The Opportunity

As a Senior Production Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operations of a designated manufacturing area, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of production targets. This role drives continuous improvement initiatives, develops leadership capability, and ensures the highest standards of safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance are maintained across the operation.

Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Lead manufacturing operations within an assigned production area, ensuring performance targets for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity are achieved.
• Create and maintain a culture that prioritises health, safety, environmental compliance, and employee wellbeing.
• Plan and coordinate production activities to ensure efficient use of labour, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Manage operational performance through the analysis of production metrics and the implementation of improvement plans.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using recognised methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and quality management systems.
• Ensure production processes, tooling, equipment, and operational methods support manufacturing requirements and customer demand.
• Work collaboratively with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other functions to resolve operational challenges and improve performance.
• Ensure products consistently meet customer and company quality standards while maintaining cost and delivery expectations. Monitor material availability and support effective inventory and resource planning to prevent production disruption.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, optimise processes, and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Lead workforce planning activities, including resource allocation, scheduling, training, skills development, and succession planning.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management to support employee growth and organisational objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, company policies, and manufacturing standards.
• Support the implementation of strategic business initiatives and operational improvement programmes.
• Establish clear communication processes across shifts and teams to ensure alignment on priorities, performance, and operational objectives.
• Manage operational risks and make informed decisions regarding production priorities, capacity constraints, and resource allocation.

Skills, experience & qualifications you will have.

Degree Requirement

Degree or equivalent experience desired

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.

Influencing

Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization.

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.

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.

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.

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

Top Candidates will have:

• Significant leadership experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Demonstrated success managing large (multi process) operational teams ( preferable 150+) and delivering measurable performance improvements.
• Ability to analyse data, solve complex operational challenges, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated success managing large operational teams and delivering measurable performance improvements.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, operational planning, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working with quality management systems and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and people development skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, safe, and high-performing workplace.

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.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + holiday buying scheme
• Up to 20% Annual Bonus
• Monthly Vehicle Allowance
• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution Up to 10%
• Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.
• Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.

What You Will Get

We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse and friendly team. We have a culture of openness, autonomy, support, personal development as well as a continuous drive for improvement.

At Peterlee, you'll find:

• A supportive and inclusive culture
• Opportunities to influence strategy and drive meaningful change
• Ongoing professional development and career growth
• The chance to lead at scale within a global organisation
• A workplace focused on safety, respect and continuous learning

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 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.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

October 20, 2026 - November 2, 2026

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