Distribution Team Lead-1st Shift

Caterpillar Brazil; Lafayette, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) match up to 6%

Paid time off and holidays

Overtime potential

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana, is seeking a Distribution Team Lead for the 1st shift. You will supervise receiving, shipping and inventory control, with accountability for safety and process improvements across multiple value streams.

The role includes coordinating with machine shop, dispatchers, and trucking teams. Expect a fast-paced, climate-controlled environment, with potential for overtime and a 40-hour week.

Qualifications

• Ideal candidate can safely work independently with a high level of energy, attention to detail, and accuracy.
• Candidate should have experience with EIMS, Visual Factory, and MESA systems.
• Must be able to operate a fork truck, and tow truck.
• Safe working habits and prior experience on fork truck is required.
• Must communicate with other shifts, machine shop, assembly, dispatchers, truck drivers, distribution technicians in other areas, Supply Chain personnel, and management.
• Candidate will be required to stay in the position for 12 months with the exception of a promotion.

Responsibilities

• Upholding safety for all distribution personnel.
• Overseeing receiving, shipping, and inventory accuracy.
• Improving processes for receiving, material flow and triggers, dock procedures, and inventory management.

Skills

Forklift operation

Attention to detail

Independent work

Safety awareness

Cross-shift communication

Tools

EIMS

Visual Factory

MESA

Job description

Career Area: Operations

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.

Distribution Team Lead – 1st Shift

Location: Lafayette, Indiana. Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, Incentives/Bonus Opportunities, Matching 401k, available first day of employment.

CATERPILLAR - BUILD WHAT MATTERS

What matters most to you? Is it being part of a strong team? Supporting your family? Solving global problems? You can do these and more at Caterpillar; where your work enables progress around the globe, and you contribute to meaningful work. Together, we can build what matters!

The Large Power Systems Division in Lafayette, IN currently has an opening for a Distribution Team Lead. This position is accountable for the safety of all distribution personnel. In this role you will be responsible for the following value streams supported by distribution; Small Gas, 3500, C175, 3600, Recons and the Machine Shop. This will include receiving, shipping, and the inventory accuracy of material used by these value streams. The Distribution Team Lead will also be accountable to manage our Safe Job Procedures, follow IDP’s, and train controllers. The position is accountable for process improvements in receiving, material flow/triggers, dock procedures, and inventory management. Distribution Team Lead will be expected to fill in as a controller, shipper, and receiver as needed.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Upholding safety for all distribution personnel.
• Overseeing receiving, shipping, and inventory accuracy.
• Improving processes for receiving, material flow and triggers, dock procedures, and inventory management.

Basic Qualifications

• Ideal candidate can safely work independently with a high level of energy, attention to detail, and accuracy.
• Candidate should have experience with EIMS, Visual Factory, and MESA systems.
• Must be able to operate a fork truck, and tow truck.
• Safe working habits and prior experience on fork truck is required.
• Must communicate with other shifts, machine shop, assembly, dispatchers, truck drivers, distribution technicians in other areas, Supply Chain personnel, and management.
• Candidate will be required to stay in the position for 12 months with the exception of a promotion.
• Top Candidates will also: Possess and show strong interpersonal skills and apply customer-based focus.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to bend and twist at the waist and be able to squat.
• Stand on concrete for 8+ hours.
• Consistent usage of required PPE for task being performed.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
• Any relocation costs incurred would be the responsibility of the selected applicant.

Compensation & Benefits Offered!

• 13 days / 104 hours of paid Personal Time Off (PTO) - (Prorated based upon start date)
• 11 Paid holidays
• 40-hour work weeks with potential for Overtime
• Climate controlled work environment – most areas
• 100% 401k match up to 6%
• Health, dental, vision, & life insurance effective first day of employment
• Potential for annual bonus
• Clean/safe work environment

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

#LI Summary Pay Range: $25.70 - $33.42

Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

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: August 27, 2026 - September 3, 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.

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.