Director, Sales and Operations Planning

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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.

Join a team that is at the forefront of global planning, supply chain strategy, and operational excellence. As the Director, Sales & Operations Planning, you will lead the development and execution of worldwide machine allocation, lane strategy, production planning, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes that directly influence Caterpillar's market leadership, profitability, inventory performance, and customer satisfaction. Serving as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and cross-functional partners, you will navigate complex global challenges, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop innovative solutions that shape both near-term business outcomes and long-term strategic direction.

This highly visible leadership role requires the ability to balance demand, supply, inventory, and production considerations across a global network while driving continuous improvement and process excellence. You will partner closely with product groups, manufacturing facilities, dealers, logistics teams, finance, and corporate process owners to ensure alignment of forecasting, sourcing, scheduling, and inventory strategies. The Director, Sales & Operations Planning plays a critical role in influencing decisions, developing new processes and capabilities, and defining the roadmap for the next three to five years while delivering results that support Caterpillar's growth, operational performance, and customer success.

What You Will Do:

Machine Allocation

• Lead the development of worldwide supply plans by model, region, and month, balancing demand signals, sales performance, inventory levels, plant capacity, and margins to maximize profitability and support PINS leadership targets.
• Identify and implement alternative machine supply strategies, partnering with global cross-functional teams to address supply constraints and meet customer requirements.
• Oversee orderboard-managed products, machine scheduling, and dealer inventory health to ensure alignment with customer demand and overall chain inventory objectives.

Lane Strategy Ownership

• Lead the development and execution of lane strategies, machine hierarchies, and product package structures while incorporating dealer, product group, and manufacturing input.
• Oversee design center updates, price list coordination, product outline compatibility (POC), and implementation activities across global facilities.
• Drive inventory planning, startup initiatives, replenishment management, take-rate analysis, and phase-in/phase-out planning in partnership with production, logistics, and product teams.

Production Planning Coordination

• Coordinate global production schedules with manufacturing facilities to ensure supply plans are executed effectively and issues are resolved proactively.
• Lead planning efforts for new product introductions (NPI/NMI), transition activities, availability concerns, and supply chain challenges impacting production and delivery.

Forecasting Systems & Process Support

• Serve as the primary interface for forecasting and planning systems, including sourcing, forecast, and sales model setup, as well as PDC/SAP issue resolution.
• Support the implementation of new processes, solutions, models, and facilities while ensuring the integrity of data used in monthly and annual forecasting activities.

Business & Financial Planning Partnership

• Partner closely with Finance and Business Resources teams on revenue forecasting, inventory projections, and long-range business planning.
• Ensure forecasting assumptions and volume plans accurately support S&OP cycles, RBM reporting, business planning, and five-year strategic targets.

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Drive the development and continuous improvement of global S&OP processes.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on enterprise forecasting, scheduling, inventory, and supply chain process improvement initiatives.

Long-Term Forecasting & Strategic Planning

• Support the development of worldwide volume forecasts that drive market leadership and long-term business objectives.
• Provide documentation and planning support for executive production scheduling and capacity decisions.

Sales & Operations Planning Leadership

• Own the end-to-end global S&OP process, including forecast development, demand and supply reviews, production plan coordination, executive S&OP meetings, and monthly reporting activities.
• Ensure alignment across commercial, manufacturing, supply chain, and finance teams to support business performance and customer success.

What You Have:

• The position requires thorough knowledge of company products and product applications.
• Broad company knowledge and strong understanding of dealer operations is also required with a strong preference for previous marketing and/or financial-related experience including field and staff assignments.
• The position typically requires a college or university degree or equivalent experience.
• In addition, nine to twelve years of progressively responsible job-related experience are typically required.
• Good human relations skills are required to develop a cooperative work relationship with others inside and outside the department.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with frequent due dates and short turnaround times.

Additional Details:

• Moderate travel required (5% - 15% of working time)
• This role will be based in Decatur, IL or Peoria, IL
• Domestic relocation is offered for this role
• Visa sponsorship is not available with this position
• This role is on-site five days a week

Summary Pay Range:

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

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.

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