Sr. Manufacturing Project Specialist

Buckner & Associates has been retained to identify and recruit a Sr. Manufacturing Project Specialist for Caterpillar’s Decatur, Illinois manufacturing plant. Qualified applicants should review the position requirements and apply as described below.

 

Sr. Manufacturing Project Specialist



 

Job Purpose: To provide technical expertise and guidance in the development of major manufacturing projects, working with internal and external suppliers to support and improve manufacturing productivity and cost effectiveness.

 

Job Duties: This position requires a high degree of experience and expertise in various or specific fields of manufacturing, such as welding, heat treat, manufacturing technology, etc. The incumbent needs to have a good understanding of product design to combine with process design expertise in order to provide improved manufacturability of parts and major components.

 

The incumbent must provide direction and guidance to other manufacturing personnel in a continuous effort to improve manufacturing productivity. They will work with suppliers (both internal and external) in the development of projects which ensure the most efficient and cost effect systems or operation to produce quality products.

 

This position is actively involved with suppliers to analyze their current or proposed product/process designs to determine feasibility of using existing designs or modifying the designs to improve process and/or product. The incumbent will ensure Engineering, Purchasing, and shop personnel, both at Caterpillar and suppliers are involved in the approval process so that sound decisions are made which improve manufacturing processes, quality and/or reduce costs. They will use knowledge gained through years of experience to explain to suppliers the tooling, dies, fixtures, etc., needed to improve processes.

 

The incumbent will determine adaptability of existing corporate applications and prepares feasibility studies for new applications. They will coordinate various existing systems and operations with new systems and operations to ensure compatibility and directs others to modify systems accordingly to implement total package.

 

This position requires leadership in the implementation of integrated technologies within the factory. The incumbent will develop individual presentations on all integration projects and prepare and establish priorities for cost effectiveness. They will perform liaison duties with various functional areas to promote smooth transition of new and revised corporate and plant systems and operations. They must also adhere to established standards, policies, and practices relating to quality, cost reduction, safety, ergonomic, etc., in performing assigned duties.

 

Background/Experience: Requires considerable experience (10-15 years) in the various manufacturing disciplines gained through previous staff and/or supervisory assignments. The incumbent is required to have analytical abilities, as well as communication skills and thorough knowledge concerning the capabilities of both domestic and foreign suppliers. This position would normally be promoted from Manufacturing Project Specialist or Process Engineering Supervisor.

 Interested applicants should submit their resume and salary history to Stephen L. Buckner, President of Buckner & Associates, at sbuckner@bucknerandassociates.com .