Production Section Manager

Career Area

Manufacturing

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.

Job Title: Section Manager

Location: Peterlee

Salary: £41,593‑ £51,992

Hours: Full Time, Permanent 36.5

Job Reference: R0000337532

The Opportunity

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.

Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor and improve safety on the shop floor; eliminate any unsafe operations and ensure a safe and clean product environment.
• Determines processing needs to assure fixtures, tooling and methods are provided to meet schedules and production requirements.
• Daily tie‑in with production management to designate work load, priorities and sequence for work assigned.
• Determines overtime need, determines priorities when resources are insufficient, and decides when disciplinary action is necessary.
• Suggest changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency. Works to improve processes, timeliness and reduce costs by eliminating non‑value added activities.
• Ensures the quality of product produced and conforms to Caterpillars 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.

Skills, experience & qualifications you will have.

Degree or equivalent experience desired

Quality Management: Level Working Knowledge – Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques. Ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization.

Planning and Organizing: Level Working Knowledge – Knowledge of the process of planning and arranging tasks and resources. Ability to plan and organize both time and resources to get things completed while structuring and maintaining work in a systematic and highly methodical way.

Process Improvement: Level Extensive Experience – Understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods and ability to maintain focus on the continuous improvement of processes, products and services.

Talent Management: Level Extensive Experience – Knowledge of human resources and talent management processes. Ability to lead, motivate, evaluate, and reward employees at the workplace.

Manufacturing Operations: Level Extensive Experience – Knowledge of manufacturing operations. Ability to perform day‑to‑day operations of a manufacturing plant or facility for products.

Manufacturing Safety: Level Extensive Experience – Knowledge of manufacturing safety. Ability to identify work‑related hazards and perform necessary activities to meet regulatory requirements for the safety and protection of workers, environment and site.

Production Training: Level Working Knowledge – Knowledge of approaches, tools and techniques for delivering formal and informal training on the safe and efficient operation of production machinery. Ability to conduct effective formal and situation‑specific training.

Top candidates will have

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

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 10% annual bonus
• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%
• Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.
• Optional flexible benefits including access to family health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.

What You Will Get

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.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off‑highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel‑electric locomotives. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced‑carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates: May 8, 2026 - May 15, 2026

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

#J-18808-Ljbffr