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.

Job Title: Manufacturing Systems Lead Planner

Salary: £49,519 - £61,899

Contract: Permanent

Location: Peterlee, County Durham

Hours: Full Time - 36.50

Job Reference: R0000351401

Hiring Manager: Nathan Machon

Closing Date: 09/03/2026

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave

• Up to 10% Bonus

• Contributory pension scheme

• Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution Up to 10%

• Contributory share scheme

• Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.

• Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.

The Opportunity

As the Manufacturing Systems Lead Planner, you will provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise necessary to design, develop, and implement World Class Manufacturing Systems and Processes, specifically supporting managing Manufacturing Bills of Material and leading the Process Planning within Global Team Centre Manufacturing (PLM) System & SAP.

Effective collaboration is a key characteristic of the team to enable accelerated and concurrent New Product and Process Development utilising the latest Virtual Development, Simulation and Validation Tools and Techniques.

Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Provide expertise on engineering, manufacturing, quality standards, and Caterpillar systems.

• Create Sales Models in our PLM System and SAP, including process plans, process flows, and sub‑process structures.

• Support daily End‑to‑End Manufacturing Engineering Planning and Change Processes for current production and NPI.

• Maintain best practices, controls, and metrics for Manufacturing Engineering Planning and Execution Systems.

• Create and maintain Collaboration Context (CC) objects and Visio process flow diagrams; build sub‑process structures and routings in the PLM System and interface them with SAP.

• Mentor Process Planners on best practices and process updates in the PLM System, track change masters and coordinate with BoM Analysts on engineering packages, manufacturing changes, and NPI pilot/ramp‑up activity.

• Lead/support projects developing Manufacturing Engineering and Systems MGPP plans for current and future strategy.

• Bring broad value‑stream and business process knowledge and strong understanding of engineering release and manufacturing planning processes; maintain strong customer focus.

• Be a key link between Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering.

Degree Requirement Degree or equivalent experience desired.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications You Will Have

ERP/SAP (ME) experience in manufacturing engineering environments.

• Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze situations and make sound, informed decisions.

• Manufacturing Engineering: Strong understanding of engineering processes, methods, and systems used in manufacturing environments.

• Lean Manufacturing: Ability to apply lean philosophy, tools, and continuous‑improvement methods to production and management processes.

• Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of manufacturing methods, technologies, and process execution from planning to delivery.

• Problem Solving: Ability to recognize, anticipate, and resolve operational and process issues using structured problem‑solving tools.

• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and deliver projects effectively, using appropriate resources and methods.

Top Candidates Will Have

• Practical experience across the Manufacturing Engineering value stream, systems, and modern planning methods.

• Strong NPI/NPI‑APQP experience, including manufacturing readiness, change impact assessment, and validation tracking.

• Broad product and process knowledge, including PQVC investigation/resolution and best‑practice guidance.

• Proven technical and project leadership in delivering new manufacturing systems, transactional processes, and Future Factory technologies.

• Working knowledge of PLM, virtual process development, Siemens/Tecnomatix simulation tools, 3D CAVE/IC.IDO, and BIQ/RPRT.

• Strong analytical, written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to collaborate at all levels.

• Demonstrated Lean expertise, continuous‑improvement mindset, and Lean leadership/coaching experience.

• Six Sigma certification (Black Belt/Green Belt).

• Technical or advanced degree in Manufacturing Systems or Engineering (or working toward one).

• Experience in manufacturing investigations, safety‑related processes, and certifications such as IOSH/NEBOSH and European Machine Safety.

• Advanced digital skills, including Excel and Power BI.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

Posting Dates:

February 24, 2026 - March 9, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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