Director Manufacturing Operations

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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.

Caterpillar Paving Products is seeking a strategic, results-driven Director, Manufacturing Operations to lead manufacturing operations at our Brooklyn Park, Minnesota facility. This senior operations leader role provides full end-to-end site accountability for safety, quality, velocity, cost, people development, maintenance, manufacturing engineering, supply chain, warehousing, logistics, and operational performance.

Located in the northwest Twin Cities metro area, the Brooklyn Park facility is a 400k square-foot manufacturing operation that produces industry-leading Asphalt Paving and Compaction Products. Working closely with the product group and engineering the Operations Director will drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction while ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production.

This role is responsible for a single manufacturing site and provides leadership for a complex, vertically integrated operation that includes logistics/warehousing, fabrication, paint, assembly, testing, inspection, and distribution activities.

What You Will Do:

• Lead all aspects of plant operations including manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, quality, supply chain, warehousing, and distribution.
• Establish and sustain a world-class safety culture while ensuring compliance with all environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and productivity metrics.
• Lead Modern Manufacturing, Lean, and continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, efficiency, quality, asset utilization, and business performance.
• Lead production planning and execution to meet customer demand and delivery commitments.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, operating systems, equipment utilization, and plant infrastructure.
• Partner with engineering, quality, supply chain, and business leaders to support new product introductions and long-term growth objectives.
• Build and develop high-performing teams through talent acquisition, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Utilize operational data and root-cause analysis to drive sustainable corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Drive accountability through disciplined execution, effective communication, and strategic initiatives that strengthen manufacturing competitiveness and scalability.

What You Have:

Leadership & Operations Management

• Proven leadership experience managing large-scale manufacturing operations, plant operations, or production facilities.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams across production, maintenance, engineering, quality, supply chain, logistics, and warehousing.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment across multiple functions.

Manufacturing Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, production management, operational excellence, and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Experience improving productivity, quality, safety, cost performance, and operational efficiency.
• Ability to develop and implement manufacturing strategies that support business and customer requirements.

Safety & Quality Leadership

• Demonstrated success creating and sustaining a strong safety culture.
• Deep knowledge of quality management systems, quality metrics, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience driving compliance with regulatory requirements and manufacturing standards.

Strategic & Business Acumen

• Ability to translate business goals into executable operational plans.
• Experience evaluating costs, benefits, risks, and operational trade-offs to support decision-making.
• Strong understanding of plant financial performance indicators, including productivity, cost reduction, asset utilization, and labor efficiency.

Performance Management & Talent Development

• Experience leading hiring, performance management, employee development, succession planning, and workforce engagement initiatives.
• Proven ability to build organizational capability and develop future leaders.

Analytical Thinking

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Ability to use data, metrics, and operational insights to drive business decisions and sustainable improvements.

Planning & Organizing

• Expertise managing multiple priorities, resources, projects, and operational initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to document and execute plans with clear objectives, accountability, timelines, and measurable outcomes.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous experience leading a heavy manufacturing, industrial equipment, construction equipment, automotive, mining, agricultural equipment, or engineered products operation.
• Experience in fabrication, welding, paint, assembly, testing, and material flow processes.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, or Continuous Improvement certifications.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and digital manufacturing systems.
• Knowledge of capacity planning, inventory management, and supply chain operations.
• Experience managing union and/or non-union manufacturing environments.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

Additional Information

• Role is onsite in Brooklyn Park, MN with a 5‑day in‑office work week.
• Up to 10% travel required.
• Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available.

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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