At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of world-class manufacturing systems and processes.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in building sustainable communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, bonuses, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in manufacturing while collaborating with innovative teams.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in manufacturing engineering is preferred.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 49519 - 61899 ÂŁ per year.
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 Manufacturing Systems Lead Planner, you will provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise necessary to design, develop, and implement World Class Manufacturing Systems and Processes, specifically supporting managing Manufacturing Bills of Material and leading the Process Planning within Global Team Centre Manufacturing (PLM) System & SAP. Effective collaboration is a key characteristic of the team to enable accelerated and concurrent New Product and Process Development utilising the latest Virtual Development, Simulation and Validation Tools and Techniques.
Job Duties / Responsibilities
- Provide expertise on engineering, manufacturing, quality standards, and Caterpillar systems.
- Create Sales Models in our PLM System and SAP, including process plans, process flows, and sub‑process structures.
- Support daily End‑to‑End Manufacturing Engineering Planning and Change Processes for current production and NPI.
- Maintain best practices, controls, and metrics for Manufacturing Engineering Planning and Execution Systems.
- Create and maintain Collaboration Context (CC) objects and Visio process flow diagrams; build sub‑process structures and routings in the PLM System and interface them with SAP.
- Mentor Process Planners on best practices and process updates in the PLM System, track change masters and coordinate with BoM Analysts on engineering packages, manufacturing changes, and NPI pilot/ramp‑up activity.
- Lead/support projects developing Manufacturing Engineering and Systems MGPP plans for current and future strategy.
- Bring broad value‑stream and business process knowledge and strong understanding of engineering release and manufacturing planning processes; maintain strong customer focus.
- Be a key link between Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering.
Degree Requirement
Degree or equivalent experience desired.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications You Will Have
- ERP/SAP (ME) experience in manufacturing engineering environments.
- Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze situations and make sound, informed decisions.
- Manufacturing Engineering: Strong understanding of engineering processes, methods, and systems used in manufacturing environments.
- Lean Manufacturing: Ability to apply lean philosophy, tools, and continuous‑improvement methods to production and management processes.
- Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of manufacturing methods, technologies, and process execution from planning to delivery.
- Problem Solving: Ability to recognize, anticipate, and resolve operational and process issues using structured problem‑solving tools.
- Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and deliver projects effectively, using appropriate resources and methods.
Top Candidates Will Have
- Practical experience across the Manufacturing Engineering value stream, systems, and modern planning methods.
- Strong NPI/NPI‑APQP experience, including manufacturing readiness, change impact assessment, and validation tracking.
- Broad product and process knowledge, including PQVC investigation/resolution and best‑practice guidance.
- Proven technical and project leadership in delivering new manufacturing systems, transactional processes, and Future Factory technologies.
- Working knowledge of PLM, virtual process development, Siemens/Tecnomatix simulation tools, 3D CAVE/IC.IDO, and BIQ/RPRT.
- Strong analytical, written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to collaborate at all levels.
- Demonstrated Lean expertise, continuous‑improvement mindset, and Lean leadership/coaching experience.
- Six Sigma certification (Black Belt/Green Belt).
- Technical or advanced degree in Manufacturing Systems or Engineering (or working toward one).
- Experience in manufacturing investigations, safety‑related processes, and certifications such as IOSH/NEBOSH and European Machine Safety.
- Advanced digital skills, including Excel and Power BI.
NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined. Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Manufacturing Engineer Systems Lead Planner in Peterlee employer: Caterpillar Inc.
Contact Detail:
Caterpillar Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer Systems Lead Planner in Peterlee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Caterpillar on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Caterpillar's values and recent projects. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the company culture. Let’s make sure we can connect our skills to their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to manufacturing engineering and problem-solving. We can even do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with our answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in the interviewer's mind and shows our enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer Systems Lead Planner in Peterlee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Systems Lead Planner role. Highlight your relevant experience with ERP/SAP systems and any lean manufacturing expertise you have. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t just list your skills – show us how you've used them! Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in manufacturing engineering. We love a good story about problem-solving!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing engineering processes and systems, especially ERP/SAP. Caterpillar values expertise, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled operational issues in the past. Use structured problem-solving tools to demonstrate your critical thinking abilities, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Caterpillar thrives on teamwork, so be prepared to talk about your experiences working in collaborative environments. Highlight any projects where you’ve successfully partnered with cross-functional teams.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your technical knowledge, especially around PLM systems and lean manufacturing principles. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently to showcase your expertise.