Group Manager - Machine Shop

Caterpillar Inc.; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career development

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Senior Production Manager to oversee the Lafayette Engine Center's machine shop for C175 Blocks across all shifts. The role includes directing group managers, front-line leaders, and ensuring safety, production targets, and quality controls.

The position emphasizes extensive experience in manufacturing operations, leadership, and building a compliant, high-performance environment with a focus on PQVC metrics and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in leading machining/ manufacturing operations.
• Strong performance management and coaching skills.
• Experience in QA, safety, and process improvements.
• Ability to meet strict schedules and build to plan targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations for C175 Blocks across all shifts.
• Manage staffing, development, and performance of front-line leaders.
• Ensure safety, schedule adherence, and cost/quality controls.
• Drive improvements in PQVC performance and regulatory compliance.
• Foster a safe, compliant, and productive work environment.

Skills

Performance management

Planning & organizing

Manufacturing operations

Quality management

Manufacturing safety

Leadership & recruiting

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

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

The Senior Production Manager is accountable for and leads the day-to-day manufacturing operations for C175 Blocks across all shifts in Lafayette Engine Center's machine shop. Direct reports would include group managers across night shift operations, as well as additional front line leaders, including lead production managers.

What You Will Do

• Manages staffing, development, and performance management programs for machining operations; manages, coaches, and develops operations front line leader team.
• Oversees operations activities, ensuring that safety, schedules, and performance requirements are met, and system resources are used effectively.
• Drives improvements for overall operations PQVC performance and implements production safety, cost, and quality control mechanisms.
• Ensures compliance of all regulatory guidelines and forges a safe and sound manufacturing environment.

Degree Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

What You Will Have

Performance Management (extensive knowledge):

• Ensures performance goals, checkpoints, and feedback focus on behaviors.
• Provides documented input to formal performance review conducted by manager.
• Observes individual performance and provides fair and objective feedback as a Leader of Leaders.
• Uses formal and informal rewards and recognition programs for employees.

Planning and Organizing (extensive experience):

• Identifies the critical goals and tasks required to meet daily objectives.
• Develops contingency plans to improve processes and to avoid problems before they occur.
• Manages conflicting priorities effectively.
• Tracks the implementation of plans closely to ensure that desired outcomes are achieved, including meeting Build to Plan targets, achieving strategic buffer levels, improving customer delivery performance and driving past dues to zero.

Manufacturing Operations (extensive experience):

• Align staffing levels and execution plans to meet business plan commitments
• Monitors organizational adherence to policies and procedures.
• Facilitates communications across departments to ensure a smooth workflow in the plant or facility.
• Evaluates the risks and safety hazards present in manufacturing operations.
• Recommends key industry benchmarks of manufacturing operations and relates to own organization.
• Supervises daily operations to ensure production targets and forecasts are achieved.
• Employs tools and techniques for anticipating demand and assuring capacity.

Quality Management (extensive experience):

• Leads value stream BIQ Deployments and directs quality reviews, ensures customers are protected through strong Stop Capability and drives out business pain through effective RCCA problem solving.
• Develops programs for motivating employees to meet or exceed departmental quality goals including As-Delivered Quality (PPM) and Scrap/COPQ.

Manufacturing Safety (extensive experience):

• Consults on the use of new tools and techniques for safety protection.
• Designs and implement emergency response processes and procedures.
• Promotes workplace safety among supervisors and workers; communicates safety rules and regulations.
• Assesses and reports unusual or new safety hazards or violations; initiates corrective action.
• Ensures that all employees and contractors comply with relevant safety policies and regulations.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Experience with Built in Quality (BIQ) and Lean Leadership
• Business Acumen through Small Business Team or Value Stream Teams Deployment
• Proven capability to recruit and develop the best talent
• Sets challenging targets and prioritizes to achieve results
• Creates the vision and leads change
• Component manufacturing experience in machine shop, heat treat or foundry operations

Summary Pay Range

$147,760.00 - $221,640.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

August 13, 2026 - August 27, 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.