Senior Production Manager — Lean Manufacturing Leader

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

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.