Lead Product Owner - Demand Planning

Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data
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 Description
The Strategic Procurement & Planning Division (SPPD) is seeking a Lead Product Owner to drive the strategy, development, and delivery of digital solutions that power our Demand Planning, Reporting, and Insights platforms. This senior role will shape the digital vision that enables accurate forecasting, operational transparency, and data‑driven decision‑making across the enterprise.
As the lead product owner, you will define a multi‑year product roadmap, align technology investments with business priorities, and guide cross‑functional teams to deliver scalable, intuitive, and high‑impact digital capabilities.
What You Will Do:

• Own and manage the product backlog, set priorities, and communicate delivery timelines.

• Translate business needs into clear, actionable requirements for technical teams.

• Coordinate User Acceptance Testing with process owners and end users.

• Establish and oversee Service Level Agreements and ensure compliance.

• Develop and manage the annual digital product budget.

• Partner with process teams to deliver end‑user training.

• Work closely with the Digital Customer Support Manager to strengthen IT Service Management processes.

• Provide direction to a Scrum Master to support product enhancement delivery.

• Champion a quality‑first approach by ensuring products are designed, built, and tested to meet high standards of reliability, performance, and user experience.

• Align digital capabilities with SPPD's strategic objectives and enterprise planning needs.

• Identify opportunities to enhance forecasting accuracy, reporting efficiency, and analytical insights.

What You Will Have:
Software Development Life Cycle: Experience and knowledge of developing and deploying software solutions. Ability to manage software solutions from concept to maturity.
Business Analysis: Knowledge of business analysis and the set of tasks, techniques and tools required to identify business needs; ability to recommend solutions that deliver value to stakeholders.
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.
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Extensive knowledge of UAT activities, tasks, tools and techniques; ability to design, implement and evaluate acceptance tests for end-users.
Software Product Business Knowledge: Deep understanding of the business operations and lifecycle of a software product, including the ability to manage the installed user base, monitor current usage patterns, plan future enhancements, and shape the overall product vision.
Top Candidates will also have:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Analytics, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Business Administration, Statistics, or a related discipline

• Hands‑on experience working in Agile/Scrum environments

• Familiarity with Sales & Operations Planning fundamentals and core supply chain concepts, processes, and methodologies

• Proven leadership in cross‑functional settings, including coordinating development activities, managing dependencies, and mitigating risks to ensure successful product delivery

• Strong stakeholder management capabilities paired with excellent communication skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style

• A demonstrated ability to prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced, evolving environment

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess details, develop solutions, clearly communicate issues, lead root‑cause investigations, and drive effective resolutions

Additional Details:

• Location: Mossville, IL

• Relocation: Not available

• Sponsorship: Not offered

• Work Arrangement: On-site, five days per week

Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $208,770.00
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:
February 24, 2026 - March 10, 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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