And Operations Planning Jobs in Illinois
And Operations Planning jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Peoria, and the Quad Cities metro, where large manufacturers, logistics firms, and consumer goods companies maintain deep operations planning functions across production scheduling, supply chain coordination, and demand forecasting. Employers such as Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and United Airlines consistently recruit for these roles at levels from junior planners to senior supply chain strategists. Illinois ranks among the most active Midwest markets for operations planning talent, driven by its manufacturing base and O'Hare-connected distribution networks. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Career Area:
Supply Chain and LogisticsJob 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.
Senior Sales & Operations Planning Manager leads Caterpillar's global S&OP process for the Large Mining Truck portfolio, aligning commercial demand, manufacturing capacity, supply chain capability, inventory strategy, and financial objectives into a single integrated operating plan.
This position serves as a key enterprise leader, driving cross-functional alignment across commercial, manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, procurement, finance, and executive leadership teams. The role is responsible for translating market opportunities into executable production and delivery strategies while balancing customer commitments, operational constraints, and business objectives.
The successful candidate will lead a global team and influence stakeholders across multiple functions and regions to ensure Caterpillar delivers industry-leading availability, supports profitable growth, and maintains operational excellence in a dynamic and rapidly evolving market environment.
What you will do:
Own and lead the global monthly S&OP process for the Large Mining Truck portfolio.
Develop demand forecasts and scenario-based planning strategies that align market opportunities with operational capabilities.
Drive executive consensus on demand, supply, capacity, inventory, and financial plans.
Lead long-range capacity planning and identify strategic investments required to support growth.
Govern inventory strategies, model mix optimization, and order fulfillment priorities across the portfolio.
Provide executive-level communication and recommendations regarding risks, opportunities, and business performance.
Partner with regional sales teams to understand market dynamics, competitive positioning, and customer demand signals.
Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, procurement, and supply chain teams to align production and material strategies.
Establish and monitor key performance metrics, ensuring alignment between forecast, production, inventory, and customer delivery performance.
Lead cross-functional efforts to identify, mitigate, and escalate supply chain constraints and operational risks.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance planning accuracy, decision quality, responsiveness, and business outcomes.
Develop and coach a high-performing team while fostering collaboration, accountability, and operational discipline.
What Makes This Role Exciting
This role sits at the center of one of Caterpillar's most strategic businesses. The leader will shape how Caterpillar responds to rapidly dynamic global mining demand, influence enterprise investment and capacity decisions, and partner directly with senior leadership to develop the operating plans that drive billions of dollars in revenue and customer commitments worldwide.
What skills you will have:
Supplier Management – MFG: Experience managing end-to-end supply chain processes. Extensive experience in S&OP, supply chain planning, demand planning, operations, or manufacturing.
Forecasting: Knowledge of forecasting methodologies, statistical analysis, market intelligence, and demand planning techniques. Ability to translate changing market conditions into actionable business plans. Highly data-driven with the ability to convert complex information into actionable business insights
Strategic Thinking: Strategic thinker capable of balancing short-term execution with long-term business objectives. Customer-focused mindset with a bias toward action and results.
Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex business challenges, assess risks and opportunities, and make sound decisions using informed judgment and data. Ability to establish meaningful KPIs, measure performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive sustainable business results. Comfortable operating in highly dynamic and ambiguous business environments.
Cross-Team Integration: Proven ability to lead across organizational boundaries, build alignment among diverse stakeholders, and drive execution in a matrixed environment. Strong executive presence and communication skills. Proven ability to influence and drive alignment without direct authority. Strong leadership capabilities with experience developing high-performing teams.
Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP): Knowledge of manufacturing planning systems, production scheduling, capacity management, and material requirements planning to support successful operational execution.
Additional Details:
Moderate travel required (5% - 15% of working time).
This role will be based in Decatur, IL or Peoria, IL.
Domestic relocation is offered for this role.
Visa sponsorship is not available with this position.
This role is on-site five days a week.
Summary Pay Range:
$159,120.00 - $238,680.00Compensation 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
Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
August 4, 2026 - August 16, 2026Any 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.
See All 6 And Operations Planning Jobs in Illinois
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Find And Operations Planning JobsAnd Operations Planning Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
And Operations Planning Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Chemicals & Materials
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in and operations planning jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, operations management, business, or a related field
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar enterprise planning platforms
- Experience with demand forecasting, production scheduling, or inventory management processes
- Strong analytical skills including advanced Excel, data modeling, or business intelligence tools
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies in an operations environment
- Effective communication skills for cross-functional coordination with procurement, logistics, and manufacturing teams
And Operations Planning Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a and operations planning in Illinois?
Most and operations planning roles in Illinois are entered through a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, operations management, industrial engineering, or business administration. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for this role. Employers across Chicago's logistics corridor and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center ecosystem favor candidates who hold or pursue a Certified Supply Chain Professional or APICS CPIM credential, which demonstrates practical planning competency recognized by major Illinois manufacturers and distributors.
Which companies hire and operations plannings in Illinois?
Illinois and operations planning roles are posted by Walmart, Caterpillar, and Amcor and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters and large manufacturing operations in the Chicago metro, Peoria, and the I-88 technology corridor creates sustained demand for planning professionals year-round.
Which Illinois cities have the most and operations planning jobs?
Belvidere, Batavia, and Decatur lead Illinois in and operations planning openings. Chicago dominates because of its dense cluster of corporate headquarters, O'Hare-area distribution centers, and consumer goods companies, while Peoria draws steady demand from Caterpillar's global supply chain operations, and smaller cities benefit from the regional manufacturing plants and third-party logistics providers anchored along Illinois's major freight corridors.
Are there remote and operations planning jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many operations roles, since planning and forecasting work is largely analytical and system-based rather than tied to a physical floor. About 0% of and operations planning openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting employer flexibility for desk-based planning functions. Demand planning, inventory analysis, and S&OP coordination roles tend to offer the most remote or hybrid arrangements, while production scheduling roles closer to manufacturing sites typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a and operations planning in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a supply chain analyst or junior planner role at a mid-size Illinois manufacturer or distributor, where responsibilities are narrower and mentorship is more accessible than at large corporations. Companies such as Caterpillar, Ferrara Candy, and Illinois Tool Works run rotational and early-career operations programs that accept recent graduates. Earning an APICS CPIM or CSCP certification before applying meaningfully strengthens a candidate's profile, and lateral moves from purchasing assistant or inventory control positions are a common and well-accepted route into planning roles.
Where can I find and apply to and operations planning jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to and operations planning jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and preferred location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 6 And Operations Planning Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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