Materials Manager-Electric Power

Career Area:

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 

The Materials Manager is responsible for building and sustaining the material management infrastructure, processes, systems, and controls that enable efficient factory operations and consistent product delivery. This role provides frontline leadership while overseeing material flow, warehousing, inventory management, and process compliance across the facility. 

The position coordinates daily operations, establishes standard work, develops scalable processes, and ensures adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards. Working closely with production and cross-functional teams, this leader removes material-related constraints, improves factory throughput, and drives continuous improvement through data-driven decision making and strong operational discipline. 

While responsible for people leadership, accountability, and process improvement, this role places a greater emphasis on analytics, material flow optimization, inventory accuracy, warehouse operations, procedure compliance, and the development of sustainable processes that support long-term business growth. 
 

What You Will Do 

• Lead, coach, and develop a frontline team while promoting accountability and operational excellence. 
• Manage material flow throughout the facility to support safe, efficient operations and prevent congestion. 
• Ensure materials are available where and when needed to meet production requirements. 
• Drive inventory accuracy and compliance with receiving, put-away, and inventory control processes. 
• Enforce safety, PPE, environmental, and operational standards. 
• Identify process improvements using Lean principles, data, and continuous improvement methodologies. 
• Eliminate waste, improve factory flow, and implement sustainable standard work and best practices. 
• Build consistent processes and accountability measures to support operational growth and performance 

Degree Requirement  

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

What You Will Have  

Problem Solving: Working knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations. 

• Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives. 
• Examines a specific problem and understands the perspective of each involved stakeholder. 
• Develops alternative techniques for assessing accuracy and relevance of information. 
• Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decision on resolution. 
• Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems. 

Performance Management: Basic understanding and knowledge of successful performance management techniques; ability to apply organization's performance management system, practices, and tools to developing and improving individual, team, and organizational performance. 

• Demonstrates an understanding of performance management concepts. 
• Describes organization's performance management process. 
• Explains organization's core performance factors and ratings. 
• Participates in own performance review or performance checkpoint session. 

Analytical Thinking: Working 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. 

• Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue and determining its significance. 
• Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions. 
• Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. to disclose meaningful data patterns. 
• Identifies the major forces, events, and people impacting and impacted by the situation at hand. 
• Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions. 

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Basic understanding and knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. 

• Explains characteristics and steps in an effective decision-making process. 
• Identifies issues and communicates with others when a decision needs to be made. 
• Names decision makers in own environment and cites examples of past decisions. 
• Describes types of decisions incumbent may and may not make in own job or function. 

Planning and Organizing: Working 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. 

• Raises awareness of potential bottlenecks and disruptions to the schedule. 
• Breaks tasks into manageable steps that can be incorporated into a personal work plan. 
• Escalates concerns over competing or conflicting priorities. 
• Monitors progress continuously and adjusts tactics for handling situations on a case by case basis. 
• Creates action plans that ensure the accomplishment of responsibilities. 

Physical Requirements  

• The ability to occasionally lift parts up to 35 lbs. individually or up to 70 lbs. with a team lift 
• The ability to bend, reach, and squat while performing tasks 
• The ability to wear required personal protective equipment for assigned tasks 
• The ability to work in an environment with frequently changing temperatures 
• The ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods while performing tasks 

We are committed to ensuring a supportive and accommodating work environment for all employees. Please advise of any reasonable accommodation requests to facilitate your ability to perform the job’s essential functions.  

What Will Put You Ahead 

• Strong attention to detail with a proven ability to maintain inventory accuracy and process compliance. 
• Experience gathering, analyzing, and interpreting operational data to identify trends and drive decisions. 
• Demonstrated ability to use metrics and reporting to improve material flow, warehouse operations, and factory throughput. 
• Experience developing and implementing standard work, process controls, and sustainable operational procedures. 
• Working knowledge of Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies. 
• Proven success identifying process inefficiencies and eliminating waste in manufacturing, logistics, or warehouse environments. 
• Experience managing material flow, inventory control, receiving, and warehouse operations in a manufacturing setting. 
• Ability to build structure, accountability, and discipline within a growing operation. 

Additional Information 

• This position requires the candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office. 
• Travel less than 5% is possible. 
• Relocation is NOT available for this position. 
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position. 

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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