IT Project Leader - Manufacturing Applications

Career Area:

Strategy

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.

IT Project Leader – Manufacturing Applications

Role Definition:

We are seeking an experienced IT Project Leader to lead the delivery of manufacturing technology solutions across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality organizations. This is more than a traditional project management role. The successful candidate will own initiatives from requirements through design, implementation, deployment, and customer acceptance while driving business outcomes and technology strategy.

What You Will Do:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of manufacturing application projects and programs.
• Partner with business stakeholders to define requirements and solution roadmaps.
• Lead cross-functional teams including engineers, architects, developers, manufacturing SMEs, vendors, and business leaders.
• Drive implementation and support of manufacturing systems, including PLM, MES, ERP, and digital manufacturing solutions.
• Manage scope, budget, schedule, risks, and stakeholder communications.
• Ensure successful adoption and realization of business value.

What You Have:

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field or hands on experience.
• Progressive experience leading enterprise technology initiatives in manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Siemens solutions (Teamcenter, NX, Opcenter) and/or SAP manufacturing solutions (S/4HANA, PP, QM, MES, Digital Manufacturing).
• Demonstrated success leading large, multidisciplinary teams and complex technology programs.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and quality processes.
• undefined
• Experience with Digital Thread, Smart Manufacturing, PLM, MES, or ERP transformations.
• PMP, Agile, or related certifications.

Skills Descriptors:

• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives. Communicates reporting requirements; creates monitoring and control mechanisms.
• Planning, Tactical and Strategic: Knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational (short term), tactical (1-2 years) and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall business plan.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
• Managing Multiple Priorities: Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.
• Influencing: Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization.
• Relationship Management: Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Knowledge of successful approaches and techniques for dealing with change; ability to adapt to a changing environment and be comfortable with change.
• 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.

Additional Info:

• The primary location for this position is East Peoria, IL. 
• This position requires you to work 5 days onsite.
• Sponsorship is NOT available.
• RELOCATION IS NOT AVAILABLE for qualified candidates.

What You Will Get -

• Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world.
• Here you earn more than just a salary because we value your performance. We offer a total rewards package that provides benefits on day one (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) along with the potential of an annual bonus. Additional benefits include paid vacation days and paid holidays.
• All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.

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 nearly 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.

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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:

November 5, 2026 - November 15, 2026

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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