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Section Manager
- Caterpillar, Inc. (South Milwaukee, WI)
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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.
Role Definition:
This leadership role is based at **Caterpillar’s South Milwaukee** facility, a key manufacturing site specializing in the production of large, heavy-duty earthmoving equipment used in mining and construction worldwide. The facility integrates advanced manufacturing processes, precision assembly, and high-performance coatings to deliver machines that meet global standards for durability and reliability.
As a **Section Manager** , you will oversee and coordinate operations across the heavy equipment assembly line, paint division, and shipping areas. You’ll ensure seamless workflow, resolve operational issues, and uphold Caterpillar’s commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. This position requires strong leadership to manage a team of 20–30 unionized production employees while driving efficiency and fostering a collaborative culture.
Key Responsibilities:
+ Create reports and records of production processes, tool issues, performance, and inventory; share insights with managers and provide actionable recommendations to improve safety, productivity, and quality.
+ Actively participate in production meetings to communicate updates and drive improvements.
+ Prepare, maintain, and update documentation related to operating procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards to ensure all processes and products meet desired standards.
+ Lead continuous improvement initiatives by managing improvement boards and maintaining accurate records.
+ Supervise daily activities of production line workers, assign tasks, ensure coordination between teams, monitor performance, and enforce safety protocols.
+ Train new hires, manage scheduling and work conflicts, monitor safety, and promote internal communication to foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Top Candidates Will Bring:
+ An Associate, Technical Degree, or higher preferred.
+ 2+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
+ Hands-on experience with heavy earth-moving equipment.
+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with working knowledge of Power BI and SAP.
+ Prior experience in a unionized facility.
+ Broad exposure to electrical, paint, shipping, and mechanical assembly operations.
+ Background in heavy manufacturing or quality engineering, with a desire to advance into a leadership role.
Skills and Competencies:
+ **Manufacturing Safety:** 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.
+ **Quality Management:** Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques and ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization.
+ **Analytical Thinking:** Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
+ **Planning and Organizing** : 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.
Additional Information:
**Location** : South Milwaukee, WI
**Relocation** : Offered
**Sponsorship** : Not Available
**Travel:** 5-10%
Summary Pay Range:
$95,640.00 - $143,520.00
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:
October 31, 2025 - November 16, 2025
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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community (http://flows.beamery.com/caterpillarinc/talcom) .
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