Planning Analyst (3rd Shift)

Caterpillar Inc.; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k)

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Planning Analyst (3rd Shift) in Lafayette, IN to support the Product Support and Logistics Division. You will lead improvement initiatives, analyze data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer satisfaction and operational performance.

The role requires strong problem solving, analytical thinking, and experience with Lean methods. You will work onsite five days a week on the 3rd shift and contribute to future state initiatives and major

Qualifications

• Analytical thinking and data-driven problem solving are essential.
• Ability to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
• Experience with cross-functional collaboration and coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead value stream improvement initiatives focused on PQVC and customer satisfaction.
• Identify recurring operational challenges and partner with Section Managers to develop sustainable corrective actions.
• Utilize data, metrics, and operational trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support Lean initiatives and project implementations.
• Monitor effectiveness of implemented solutions to ensure expected benefits.
• Partner with support groups and operations teams to support future state initiatives and facility transitions.
• Coordinate with other Planning Analysts to ensure operational readiness for upcoming changes.
• Proactively identify and communicate risks that may impact customer commitments.
• Coordinate cross-function response plans to mitigate customer impact.
• Strengthen relationships with customers through effective communication and issue resolution.
• Coach and develop Section Managers and Team Leads on problem solving and leadership practices.
• Encourage collaboration across shifts and functional areas.
• Facilitate discussions regarding major operational initiatives and cross-functional issues.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Cross-Team Integration

Accuracy and Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

WMS

Excel

Power BI

PowerPoint

Word

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.

At Caterpillar, we work to help our customers build a better world. Without our team of talented, bright and driven individuals, we wouldn’t be the Caterpillar we are today. Now, this is your chance to join our team and do work that matters. We want you to help us enable customer success, make progress possible around the world and help our communities grow and thrive. We are looking for a dynamic, organized self-starter to join our Product Support and Logistics Division as a Planning Analyst (3rd Shift) in Lafayette, IN.

Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. PSLD is responsible for the worldwide distribution of Cat aftermarket parts, integrated logistics, and global service to develop and support our global dealer network and customers.

We’re committed to our customers, who build a better world with our products, services and solutions. We understand and show the value of why they should always choose us. We’re exploring new ideas and opportunities –innovating to discover the breakthroughs necessary for tomorrow’s growth.

Career Area

Supply Chain and Logistics

Job Summary

• As the Planning Analyst, you will support the logistics operation servicing the Large Engine Center with problem solving and continuous improvement process enhancements. You will identify recurring operational challenges and develop sustainable corrective actions.
• Identify recurring operational challenges and partner with Section Managers to develop sustainable corrective actions.
• Utilize data, metrics, and operational trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support Lean initiatives and project implementations.
• Monitor effectiveness of implemented solutions to ensure expected benefits are achieved.
• Partner with support groups and operations teams to support future state initiatives and facility transitions.
• Coordinate with other Planning Analyst to ensure operational readiness for upcoming changes.
• Proactively identify and communicate risks that may impact customer commitments.
• Coordinate cross-function response plans to mitigate customer impact.
• Strengthen relationships with customers through effective communication and issue resolution.
• Coach and develop Section Managers and Team Leads on problem solving, decision making, and leadership practices.
• Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing across shifts and functional areas.
• Reinforce accountability by challenging teams to solve issues at the appropriate ownership level.
• Facilitate discussions regarding major operational initiatives, strategic projects, and cross functional issues.
• Provide visibility to operational performance, project status, customer concerns, and emerging risks.
• Support alignment between shifts and departments to ensure consistent execution and customer discussions.
• Assist with coordination of major operational events, customer impacts, and recovery activities.
• Support decision making, escalation management, and communication of business priorities.

Additional Information

• Location: Lafayette, IN (United States)
• Special Announcement: It was recently announced that PSLD Lafayette operations will be moving many of their positions to the facility in Lebanon, IN over the next 6 months. This position is included in the upcoming move.
• Work Schedule: 3rd Shift (Monday through Friday 10:30PM-6:30 AM ET)
• Relocation Assistance Offered: None
• U.S. Work Authorization Offered: None

What You Will Do

• Lead value stream improvement initiatives focused on PQVC (People, Quality, Velocity, and Cost) and customer satisfaction
• Identify recurring operational challenges and partner with Section Managers to develop sustainable corrective actions
• Utilize data, metrics, and operational trends to identify improvement opportunities
• Support Lean initiatives and project implementations
• Monitor effectiveness of implemented solutions to ensure expected benefits are achieved
• Partner with support groups and operations teams to support future state initiatives and facility transitions
• Coordinate with other Planning Analyst to ensure operational readiness for upcoming changes
• Proactively identify and communicate risks that may impact customer commitments
• Coordinate cross-function response plans to mitigate customer impact
• Strengthen relationships with customers through effective communication and issue resolution
• Coach and develop Section Managers and Team Leads on problem solving, decision making, and leadership practices
• Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing across shifts and functional areas
• Reinforce accountability by challenging teams to solve issues at the appropriate ownership levelFacilitate discussions regarding major operational initiatives, strategic projects, and cross functional issues
• Provide visibility to operational performance, project status, customer concerns, and emerging risks.
• Support alignment between shifts and departments to ensure consistent execution and customer discussions
• Assist with coordination of major operational events, customer impacts, and recovery activities
• Support decision making, escalation management, and communication of business priorities

What You Have (Required Skills)

• 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.
• 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.
• Cross-Team Integration: Understanding of the importance of inter-team collaboration in breaking down silos and achieving business results; ability to lead employees from various functions to communicate, coordinate work across divisions, and collaborate in solving problems as one team.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.

What Will Put You Ahead (Preferred Skills)

• Bachelor’s degree
• Previous supervisory experience
• Previous experience with WMS (warehouse management systems)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Excel, PowerBi, PowerPoint, Word, etc.)

What You Will Get

This is Caterpillar – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition. Learn more about The Caterpillar Experience and why It's More Than a Job, it's a Career at Caterpillar.

Learn more about what happens inside Caterpillar’s Product Support & Logistics Division (PSLD).

Summary Pay Range

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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

• 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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

September 1, 2026 - September 15, 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.