1st Shift Assembly Manager Production

Caterpillar Inc.; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Athens, GA seeks a 1st Shift Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations, improve processes, and ensure quality while controlling costs. You will supervise staff, coordinate with production management, and uphold Caterpillar's safety standards.

This role emphasizes 5S/Lean and training, with opportunities to implement CQMS/ISO initiatives and partner with engineering to meet schedules. Domestic relocation not available; sponsorship not offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in improving manufacturing processes and maintaining quality.
• Ability to train staff and implement safe working practices.
• Knowledge of lean methods and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate unsafe operations and maintain a clean environment.
• Determine processing needs to meet schedules and production requirements.
• Daily tie-in with production management to designate workload and priorities.
• Assess overtime needs and allocate resources to meet deadlines.
• Suggest changes to increase efficiency and reduce non-value-added activities.
• Ensure product quality and adherence to Caterpillar's Quality Policy.
• Order and distribute necessary parts and materials timely.
• Implement corporate initiatives such as 5S, Lean, and CQMS/ISO.
• Train and develop staff, track time, and assign work to meet dates.

Skills

Process Improvement

Manufacturing Safety

Production Training

Leadership

Assembly Experience

Lean manufacturing

Tools

SAP

Workday

Job description

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.

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. Caterpillar is seeking a 1st Shift Production Manager for its Athens, GA facility. In this role, you will lead the team in maintaining and improving manufacturing processes and systems, ensuring the effective production of all products within the facility. You will also evaluate current and future procedures, systems, and equipment needs, providing recommendations based on manufacturing requirements.

What You Can Look Forward To In This Role

• Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate any unsafe operations and ensure a safe and clean product environment.
• Determines 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.
• Determines overtime need, determines priorities when resources are insufficient, and decides 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.
• Ensures the quality of product produced and conforms 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.

A successful candidate in this role will showcase their skills in:

• Process Improvement: Understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods and ability to maintains focus on the continuous improvement of processes, products and services.
• Manufacturing Safety: Knowledge of manufacturing safety; ability to identify work‑related hazards and perform necessary activities to meet regulatory requirements for the safety and protection of workers, environment and site.
• Production Training: Knowledge of approaches, tools and techniques for delivering formal and informal training on the safe and efficient operation of production machinery; ability to conduct effective formal and situation‑specific training.

Top Candidates For This Position May Also Have

• Previous leadership experience
• Previous assembly experience
• Microsoft Suite, SAP and/or Workday experience
• Leadership and/or participation in facility safety initiatives
• Process improvement experience
• Lean manufacturing experience

Additional Information

The primary location for this position is Athens, GA. Domestic relocation assistance is not available. Sponsorship is not available.

Summary Pay Range

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

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

Posting Dates

September 15, 2026 - September 29, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.