Production Manager in Peterlee

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. Together, we are building a better world.

This is a supervisory position that will be responsible for managing a production process schedule, its operators/technicians, and overall performance within a designated value stream. You will be responsible for meeting Caterpillar’s goals for People, Quality, Velocity, and Cost that support a 24/7 operation.

• Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate any unsafe operations and ensure a safe and clean product environment.
• Determine processing needs to assure fixtures, tooling, and methods are provided to meet schedules and production requirements.
• Daily tie‑in with production management to designate workload, priorities, and sequence for work assigned.
• Determine overtime need, determine priorities when resources are insufficient, and decide when disciplinary action is necessary.
• Suggest changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency; work to improve processes, timeliness and reduce costs by eliminating non‑value added activities.
• Ensure the quality of product produced and conforms to Caterpillar’s Quality Policy while maintaining cost.
• Ensure necessary parts and materials are ordered and distributed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Implement various corporate initiatives such as 5S, Lean Manufacturing, 6 Sigma, CQMS/ISO certification, etc.
• Responsible for training and development of staff, time keeping, estimating personnel needs, assigning work, meeting completion dates, and ensuring consistent application of organizational needs.

This job exists only in those locations where the Section Manager has primary responsibility for the performance of multiple shifts, for direct production and support functions. The Section Manager will supervise hourly employees and may also supervise lower‑level Section Managers.

• Degree Requirement: Degree or equivalent experience desired.
• Quality Management: Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques.
• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis.
• Planning and Organising: Knowledge of the process of planning and arranging tasks and resources.
• Process Improvement: Understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods.
• Talent Management: Knowledge of human resources and talent management processes.
• Manufacturing Operations: Knowledge of manufacturing operations.
• Manufacturing Safety: Knowledge of manufacturing safety.
• Production Training: Knowledge of approaches, tools and techniques for delivering formal and informal training.

• Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Demonstrable experience of leading large‑scale teams.
• Experience of heavy fabrication desirable but non‑essential.

We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse and friendly team. We have a culture of openness, autonomy, support, personal development as well as a continuous drive for improvement.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.