Value Chain Designer

Limitless Decatur; Decatur, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

HSA

Paid time off

Career development

Incentive bonus

Parental leave

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Decatur, IL is seeking a Value Chain Designer to shape an integrated, high-performing value chain for a key product group. You will manage complex supply streams, connect supplier capabilities with inventory and customer requirements, and translate data into practical improvements.

The role focuses on NPI value chain strategy, supplier relationships, and driving improvements across operations, procurement, and logistics to minimize silos and optimize total value.

Qualifications

• Education or equivalent experience: a degree or equivalent relevant experience is desired.
• Experience leading value‑chain planning, integrated business planning, supply planning, material planning, or S&OP in manufacturing.
• NPI team lead experience or equivalent experience.
• Product engineering experience or equivalent experience.
• Experience with ERP, MRP, advanced planning, supply‑chain analytics, or BI tools.
• Experience with value‑stream mapping, scenario planning, constraint management, RCA, or continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of complex supply streams serving a defined product group, including streams with global reach.
• Build an end-to-end view of the value chain by connecting supplier capacity, value stream mapping, material availability, inventory strategy, operational priorities, and customer requirements.
• NPI value chain strategy and value chain cost strategy to meet customer expectations for product availability.
• Manage supplier relationships and supporting processes to help ensure adequate product supply, reliable delivery, and alignment with inventory objectives.
• Support supplier evaluation and selection by assessing value‑chain capability, delivery performance, risk, quality, and operational fit.
• Analyze supply‑chain trends, sales information, forecasts, on‑time delivery, inventory performance, and operational constraints to identify improvement opportunities.
• Establish effective partnerships across operations, procurement, logistics, planning, business partners, and other internal functions to improve coordination and reduce silos.
• Lead significant supply‑chain and value‑chain improvement projects, including project planning, resource coordination, risk identification, contingency development, performance monitoring, assurance of supply improvement, NPI Value Chain Product Improvement, Value Chain Cost and Total Cost of ownership, and stakeholder communication.

Skills

Process Management

Analytical Thinking

Effective Communications

Problem Solving

Process Mapping/Flowcharting

Root Cause Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP software

MRP systems

BI tools

Job description

Career Area

Engineering

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.

As the Value Chain Designer, you will help shape an integrated, resilient, and high‑performing value chain for a key product group. You will manage complex supply streams, connect supplier capabilities with inventory and customer requirements, support product development value stream strategy through New Product Introduction (NPI), and turn forecast, delivery, cost, and performance data into practical improvements. This role is ideal for a supply chain leader who can see beyond individual planning activities and understand how decisions across suppliers, operations, inventory, and customer demand affect total value‑chain performance.

Additional Information

• Location: Decatur, Illinois
• Travel: Up to 15% (domestic and international)
• Relocation Assistance: Available
• Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Applications accepted: through Sunday, September 4, 2026

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of complex supply streams serving a defined product group, including streams with global reach.
• Build an end-to-end view of the value chain by connecting supplier capacity, value stream mapping, material availability, inventory strategy, operational priorities, and customer requirements (demonstrated availability).
• NPI value chain strategy and value chain cost strategy to meet customer expectations for product availability.
• Manage supplier relationships and supporting processes to help ensure adequate product supply, reliable delivery, and alignment with inventory objectives.
• Support supplier evaluation and selection by assessing value‑chain capability, delivery performance, risk, quality, and operational fit.
• Analyze supply‑chain trends, sales information, forecasts, on‑time delivery, inventory performance, and operational constraints to identify improvement opportunities.
• Establish effective partnerships across operations, procurement, logistics, planning, business partners, and other internal functions to improve coordination and reduce functional silos.
• Lead significant supply‑chain and value‑chain improvement projects, including project planning, resource coordination, risk identification, contingency development, performance monitoring, assurance of supply improvement, NPI Value Chain Product Improvement, Value Chain Cost and Total Cost of ownership, and stakeholder communication.

What skills you will have

Process Management: Champions continuous process improvement through governance, optimization, performance monitoring, and the adoption of best practices, tools, and methodologies.

Analytical Thinking: Applies structured analytical techniques to identify root causes, evaluate risks and opportunities, and develop data‑driven solutions to complex business challenges.

Effective Communications: Effectively communicates complex information across all organizational levels, adapting messaging to the audience while influencing stakeholders and fostering collaboration.

Problem Solving: Leads the resolution of complex, high‑impact business issues by organizing stakeholders, evaluating alternatives, assessing risks, and implementing sustainable solutions.

Process Mapping/Flowcharting: Utilizes advanced process mapping methodologies to document, analyze, and improve business processes while establishing organizational standards and best practices.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Leads structured root cause analysis efforts to identify underlying issues, implement corrective actions, prevent recurrence, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Top Candidates will also have

• Education or equivalent experience: A degree or equivalent relevant experience is desired.
• Experience leading value‑chain planning, integrated business planning, supply planning, material planning, or sales and operations planning in a manufacturing environment.
• NPI team lead experience or equivalent experience.
• Product engineering experience or equivalent experience.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning, material requirements planning, advanced planning, supply‑chain analytics, or business intelligence tools.
• Experience with value‑stream mapping, scenario planning, constraint management, root‑cause analysis, or continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of supplier risk, network resilience, capacity planning, and end‑to‑end value‑chain tradeoffs.
• Relevant certification such as Certified Supply Chain Professional, Certified in Planning and Inventory Management, or a comparable supply‑chain credential is desired.

Summary Pay Range

$147,760.00 - $221,640.00

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

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

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.