Category Buyer Iii

At Caterpillar, we're 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 Morton, 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 – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition.  

Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience  

This position is a Category Buyer responsible for the procurement of Material Handling Equipment and Logistics Automation. Reporting directly to the Category Procurement Manager, this role will work with operations team to define business requirements and drive global strategy that supports overall organizational objectives. Key work activities include strategy development, managing a network of service providers, strategic sourcing to meet operational objectives, bidding process, contracts administration and driving supplier performance.   

Additionally, this buyer role is expected to further the development of 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. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

• Work with facilities and logistics engineering teams to develop best in class logistics automation solutions. Work with Caterpillar’s legal services to ensure that all contracts provide Caterpillar with appropriate legal protection. 

• Documenting the suppliers' performance on time sensitivity and production 

• Procure material handling equipment and logistics automation services that meet Cat’s complex global operational and procurement standard requirements. 

• Key focus around strategic sourcing to ensure capacity, service and market price objectives are met. 

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

Basic Requirements  

• Bachelor’s Degree 

• Communication: Well-developed communication and presentation skills  

• Interpersonal Relationships: Maintaining a strong relationship with suppliers. Works with different external suppliers to address critical issues and resolves major problems for implementing supplier relationship management practices. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment. 

• Negotiation and Contract Management: Lead contract negotiations with providers to achieve service and price that meet operational objectives and is in accordance with Cat’s long-term strategy. 

• Purchasing and Procurement: Extensive experience in project management and/or procurement as this role is the procurement lead for the development of material handling equipment and automation solutions.  

• Data Analytics and Strategic Sourcing: Works with various basic components of strategic sourcing, such as data analysis, market research, commodity indexation and purchasing budgets examination. Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment. 

Top Candidates Will Also Have  

• Experience in Process improvement and/or Project Management 

• Industry relevant certifications (i.e. LEAN, Six Sigma, APICS, PMP) 

• Advanced Degree (Business, Logistics or Supply Chain) 

Additional Information 

This position does not offer relocation 

This position requires 25% or less travel 

This role is in Morton, IL 

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