Manager Lean & Strategy

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. Manager Lean & Strategy Location: CRTT, Ban Khai, Rayong, Thailand Career Area: Strategy | Lean Manufacturing | Operational Excellence Join Caterpillar as Manager Lean & Strategy and drive high-impact initiatives that improve productivity, quality, velocity, and cost across our Rayong manufacturing facility. In this strategic leadership role, you will lead Lean transformation, operational excellence, and business improvement initiatives while shaping a culture of Daily Lean Management. Partnering with site leadership, you'll deliver measurable results, strengthen organizational capability, and support the facility's long-term competitiveness and growth. The role focused on leading process improvement teams and projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and project management methodologies. What You Will Do ▸Lead the facility's Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Continuous Improvement strategy. ▸Drive strategic cost reduction, productivity, and manufacturing competitiveness initiatives. ▸Develop and execute transformation roadmaps aligned with long-term business objectives. ▸Optimize production flow, capacity utilization, manufacturing footprint, and operational performance to support changing business demands. ▸Champion Daily Lean Management systems and establish a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. ▸Monitor operational and financial performance metrics and use data to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities. Includes monitoring performance, improving key metrics, and promoting the use of data to drive project focus. ▸Lead cross-functional Lean and Six Sigma projects that deliver measurable improvements in throughput, lead time, quality, velocity, and cost performance. ▸Coach, mentor, and develop leaders and employees in Lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement practices. ▸Build organizational capability and develop a pipeline of future Lean leaders across the facility. ▸Track project benefits, financial performance, and operational outcomes to support prioritization and strategic decision making. Required Skills ▸Lead process improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and productivity. ▸Apply analytical thinking and structured problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions. ▸Utilize Six Sigma tools and DMAIC principles to drive continuous improvement and process optimization. ▸Manage projects effectively, including planning, resource coordination, stakeholder engagement, progress monitoring, and reporting. ▸Lead and develop cross-functional teams through coaching, mentoring, and effective collaboration. ▸Influence stakeholders and communicate recommendations effectively across all organizational levels. ▸Drive cost reduction, operational excellence, and Lean transformation initiatives within a manufacturing environment. ▸Support capacity planning, production flow optimization, and resource allocation to meet changing business demands. ▸Demonstrate strong verbal and written English communication skills in a global, matrixed environment. Preferred Skills ▸Experience in manufacturing, industrial, automotive, heavy equipment, or engineering environments. ▸Factory transformation, facility optimization, or manufacturing strategy experience. ▸Experience implementing Daily Lean Management systems and visual management practices. ▸Strong capability in culture transformation, capability development, and change management. ▸Experience driving productivity, cost reduction, and operational excellence programs across large-scale manufacturing operations. Qualifications ▸Bachelor's of Higher degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related discipline. ▸Minimum 8+ years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Operations leadership. ▸Minimum 3+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams, transformation initiatives, or manufacturing improvement projects. ▸Proven experience applying Lean Manufacturing and Continuous ▸Improvement methodologies to improve productivity, quality, delivery, and cost performance. ▸Demonstrated experience leading cost reduction, productivity improvement, or operational transformation programs within a manufacturing environment. ▸Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making capabilities. ▸Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering measurable business results. ▸Strong communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization. ▸Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal. On-Site Full Time Working Hours: Monday – Friday 07:30 am. – 04:30 pm. Work location: Caterpillar (Thailand) Ltd. 337/1 Moo 3, T. Nong La Lok, A. Ban Khai, Rayong 21120, Thailand This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: September 24, 2026 - October 4, 2026 Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.