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Manager NPI

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL · $147,760–$221,640 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role leads sourcing and NSI-related project work across ECTS programs. Tell me about a similar portfolio you've managed.

What they are checking: Whether they have managed multiple sourcing or new product projects at once.

This is an individual contributor role. How do you lead people who don't report to you?

What they are checking: Whether they can influence cross-functional partners without formal authority.

Tell me about a project that went off track. How did you bring it back?

What they are checking: Whether they spot problems early and take action to recover.

What continuous improvement have you brought to how projects are run?

What they are checking: Whether they improve the process, which the posting includes in the role.

How do you report bad news to senior leaders?

What they are checking: Whether they deliver problems early and honestly with a plan attached.

What would you do

Two programs need the same resources at the same time. How do you decide?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize using clear criteria and get stakeholders to agree.

How do you keep stakeholders aligned when their priorities differ?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage competing interests across engineering, sourcing and operations.

How would you handle a supplier that's at risk of missing a new part launch?

What they are checking: Whether they understand supplier risk and can plan backups.

About the work

How do you set up project governance so it helps teams instead of slowing them down?

What they are checking: Whether they use governance to make decisions faster, not just add meetings.

What KPIs would you report on for a portfolio of new sourcing projects?

What they are checking: Whether they choose measures that show real progress and risk, not just activity.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: Engineering 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. Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team that 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 Summary Caterpillar is seeking a Manager NPI to lead and execute critical sourcing and NSI-related project work across ECTS programs and cross-functional partners. This onsite individual contributor role is responsible for driving project governance, portfolio management, stakeholder alignment, KPI reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives that support successful program execution. As a key partner across engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, PMO, suppliers, and other business functions, you will lead through influence to ensure projects are effectively planned, governed, monitored, and delivered. This role requires a strong project leadership background, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to manage complex initiatives across a diverse stakeholder network. You will play a critical role in enabling business success by maintaining visibility into project performance, proactively managing risks, supporting leadership decision-making, and driving operational excellence across multiple initiatives. Locations: Mossville, IL (Primary) or Lafayette, IN (Alternate) How You Will Make an Impact • Drive Program Execution and Governance – Lead critical sourcing and NSI-related initiatives through disciplined project planning, governance, and portfolio management practices. • Enable Cross-Functional Success – Build alignment and collaboration across engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, PMO, suppliers, and other business partners to achieve project objectives. • Deliver Visibility and Actionable Insights – Provide KPI tracking, portfolio reporting, OBIA analysis, and leadership updates to support informed decision-making. • Manage Risk and Improve Outcomes – Proactively identify risks, implement mitigation plans, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that support project and business performance. • Lead Through Influence – Foster stakeholder engagement and accountability to ensure successful execution across multiple programs and priorities. Responsibilities • Lead project governance and planning activities across ECTS programs. • Manage NSI portfolio activities and project execution. • Develop and maintain process guidance documentation and gateway alignment. • Track key performance indicators and communicate progress to stakeholders. • Drive continuous improvement and quality improvement initiatives. • Create OBIA reporting and deliver monthly leadership updates. • Coordinate activities across engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, PMO, suppliers, and other partners. • Identify project risks and implement mitigation plans to support successful delivery. • Monitor project schedules, dependencies, and execution milestones. • Support projects in achieving delivery targets on or ahead of schedule. What Skills You Will Have Program & Project Management (Extensive Experience) • Lead cross-functional programs and projects from planning through execution. • Manage project governance, risks, schedules, and stakeholder expectations to achieve business objectives. Planning: Tactical & Strategic (Extensive Experience) • Develop and execute tactical plans aligned with business priorities. • Manage project dependencies, resources, and execution plans across multiple stakeholders. Effective Communications (Expert) • Communicate effectively with leadership, technical teams, suppliers, and business partners. • Deliver clear project updates, KPI reporting, and stakeholder communications. Problem Solving (Extensive Experience) • Analyze complex challenges, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions. • Drive continuous improvement through structured problem-solving and risk management. Customer Service Management (Extensive Experience) • Build strong partnerships with stakeholders and ensure commitments are successfully delivered. • Proactively manage expectations and resolve issues to support project success. Products & Services Knowledge (Extensive Experience) • Apply product, service, and operational knowledge to support project planning and execution. • Collaborate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and supply chain teams. Quality Management (Working Knowledge) • Apply quality processes and continuous improvement practices to enhance project performance. • Utilize quality metrics and tools to support business objectives. Design for Manufacturability (DFM) (Working Knowledge) • Apply DFM principles and best practices to support product and manufacturing objectives. • Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve efficiency and standardization. Digital Tools & Reporting • Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Power BI, SharePoint, and Microsoft Office to support planning, reporting, and collaboration. Cross-Functional Leadership • Lead initiatives through collaboration and influence across diverse stakeholder groups. • Partner effectively with engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, PMO, and suppliers. Top Candidates Will Also Have • Experience in supply chain. • Experience in procurement. • Experience in engineering. • Experience in product management. • Experience in manufacturing. • Experience in quality. • Experience in business services. Additional Information • Domestic and international travel is required approximately 20-25% of the time. • Position is located in Mossville, IL with an alternate location option of Lafayette, IN. • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position Final Details: Please ensure you frequently sign in to your candidate home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for. https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers. EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply. This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Summary Pay Range: $147,760.00 - $221,640.00 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: September 29, 2026 - October 12, 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

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