Category Buyer

Career Area:

Purchasing & Procurement

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, youre 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 dont 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.

At Caterpillar, were working to help our customers build a better world. We wouldn’t be the Caterpillar we are today without the exceptionally talented, bright and driven people who get the job done. This is your chance to help us make progress possible around the world – for our customers, for growing communities and for every member of our team. We are looking for a dynamic, organized self-starter to join our Product Support and Logistics Division as a Category Buyer in Mossville, IL.

The Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. We touch nearly every element of the services value stream from procurement to design and manufacturing to distribution. PSLD is responsible for Aftermarket Parts Distribution of Cat Parts, Integrated Logistics, segment Procurement and the design and manufacture of Wear Components (Undercarriage and GET) and Maintenance Components (Seals, Tubes & Hardware, Hose & Couplings, Fluids and Filters).

We’re committed to our customers, who build a better world with our products, services and solutions. We understand and show the value of why they should always choose us. We’re exploring new ideas and opportunities – innovating to discover the breakthroughs necessary for tomorrow’s growth.

Through it all, we are one team (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYIDne7Q5ek&list=PLwAXbfivFg0jmiNqqgFLeQJpRBi-UVln&index=39) – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition.

Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvCYWtWARlk&list=PLwAXbfivFg0jmiNqqgFLeQJpRBi-UVln&index=25)

This position is a Category Buyer for procurement of packaging product and services activities in North America, managing 20 suppliers, and $50M of annual spend. Reporting directly to the Category Procurement Manager, this role is accountable for executing the procurement strategy, managing supplier performance, relationships, and agreements/contracts for their category segment.

Additionally, this buyer role is expected to further the develop sourcing strategies for the segment, utilizing subject matter expertise to effectively identify areas to differentiate the supply base and optimize the packaging network, helping to assure supply and contain cost for the enterprise.

The role requires a strong communicator capable of working on solutions to complex problems for internal process partners and customers, keeping them informed of progress and working closely with them to ensure all requirements are met. Relationship building and management at senior levels with the suppliers is also expected that will foster trust, professionalism and continuous improvement.

Additional Information

This position does not offer relocation

This position requires 25% or less travel

This role is in Mossville, IL

Job Responsibilities

Developing, managing and executing the category strategy managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.

Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.

Acting as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering production demands and suppliers conditions.

Documenting the suppliers performance on time sensitiveness and production; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers.

Works with various basic components of strategic sourcing, such as data analysis, market research, commodity indexation and purchasing budgets examination.

Works with different external suppliers to address critical issues and resolves major problems for implementing supplier relationship management practices.

Coordinates with Suppliers, CAT facilities and respective CAT buyers to complete tooling procurement process from RFI to tooling PO.

Basic Requirements

Bachelor’s degree AND 3 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, logistics, operations, or similar fields.

In lieu of a degree, 5 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, logistics, operations, or similar fields is required.

Experience communicating and presenting to senior leadership

Top Candidates Will Also Have

Previous 6 Sigma Green Belt or Lean experience

Final Details

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Any relocation costs incurred would be the responsibility of the selected applicant. #Li

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community (http://flows.beamery.com/caterpillarinc/talcom) .

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar.

Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.