2027 Human Resources Professional Development Program

Caterpillar Inc.

Posted 25 days ago

Full Time

Peoria, Illinois

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Participants will rotate through HR Generalist and Specialist roles to handle employee/labor relations, recruitment, and talent pipeline development. The role involves using HR data analysis to drive business efficiencies and supporting high-performing, inclusive teams.

Qualifications

You have strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt to change and make sound decisions. You are also adept at data gathering and reporting, demonstrating a growth mindset and agility. A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required, and previous HR internships or work experience are highly preferred.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Human Resources

Recruitment

Talent Management

Data Analysis

HR Certifications

Job Description

Career Area:

Human Resources

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.

About Caterpillar  
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed to and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. 
 

Job Summary 
The Human Resources Development Program (HRDP) is designed to strengthen the Human Resources talent pipeline by hiring high potentials and accelerating their foundational learning of HR and of Caterpillar through a rotational program focused on providing diverse on-the-job experiences preparing them to become future Caterpillar leaders. Your peers, assignment leaders, and business partners will mentor you through the program as you learn and grow with our team.  

What You Will Do: 

  • Counsel the business on employee and/or labor relations challenges to ensure high-performing teams and an inclusive environment.

  • Deploy recruitment solutions to increase the diversity of workforce composition.

  • Identify talent and create visibility and awareness to enable a cross-functional talent pipeline for the enterprise. 

  • Comprehensive HR data analysis to identify insights to make better decisions and drive efficiencies for the business.

What You Have: 

  • 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. 

  • Interpersonal Relationships: Knowledge of the techniques and the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner. 

  • 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. 

  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Knowledge of successful approaches and techniques for dealing with change; ability to adapt to a changing environment and be comfortable with change.  

  • Growth and Agility: Knowledge of the necessity of businesses and individuals to experiment, learn continuously, and achieve value for the organization; ability to embrace challenges, show resilience, and proactively seek improvement and innovation to improve an organization's competitive advantage.  

  • Data Gathering and Reporting: Knowledge of tools, techniques and processes for gathering and reporting data; ability to practice them in a particular department or division of a company. 

Tops Candidates will also have: 

  • Previous HR Internships or Caterpillar work experience (2 years or less) 

  • HR Related Certifications 

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business with an emphasis in HR, or related degree.

  • Minimum 3.0/4.0 Cumulative GPA (no rounding).

Additional Info: 

  • Program Start Dates: January & June 2027.

  • Location of rotations varies by business need.

  • Must be willing to relocate throughout the program.

  • Relocation assistance is available for this position.

2-year Developmental Program 
**May be extended in certain circumstances but no longer than a total duration of 3 years 

  • 12 months as an HR Generalist in one of our manufacturing facilities.

  • 6-12 months as an HR specialist/strategic project role in one of our centers of excellence and/or our HR Operations teams.

Development 

  • On-the job experience with each rotation.

  • Assigned Mentor (HR Leadership Team or HR Director).

  • In-person and virtual learning sessions throughout the program.

  • Ongoing networking with program participants and HR leaders across the enterprise.

Rotations 

  • 2-3 Rotations.

  • Rotations are focused on business needs while considering employee’s interest.

 

Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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:

July 1, 2026 - July 9, 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.

Caterpillar Inc.

For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and provides financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.
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