2026 Entry Level – Supply Chain - Buyer
About The Position
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. Role Summary Supports purchasing and supply chain operations by processing requisitions, analyzing costs, managing contracts, and contributing to sourcing and procurement strategies.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, business, or a related field.
- Overall GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
- 0–2 years of relevant experience related to this field (internships or academic projects are a plus)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
- Interest in process improvement and vendor relationship management.
- Analytical Thinking Apply structured analysis to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
- Decision Making & Critical Thinking Use data-driven judgment to evaluate risks and make informed decisions.
- Business Process Improvement Support initiatives to streamline operations and reduce waste.
- Effective Communication Deliver clear, concise feedback and interpret information accurately across teams.
- Problem Solving Diagnose issues and propose actionable resolutions using proven tools and techniques.
- Matrix Management Collaborate across departments and functions to balance priorities and drive results.
- Vendor/Supplier Management Build strong relationships with external providers to ensure quality and timeliness.
- Procurement Support purchasing activities using established systems and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Learn and develop skills that result from the practical application of basic supply chain knowledge by assisting a project team or others in the workgroup.
- Provide support for purchasing, supply chain, sourcing, cost, price analysis, and contract/purchase order generation.
- Develop improvement plans to support buyers related to response time, lean targets, quality, cost, logistics, development, capacity, and risk management to enable optimal and efficient operations.
- Perform analytical and administrative tasks in support of purchasing strategic initiatives.
- Manage purchased material requirements according to the demand signals for the assigned products.
- Take appropriate actions to ensure material availability and appropriate inventory levels, ensuring that the correct material is delivered to the right place and at the right time.
- Monitor material shortages tools, adjusting the delivery schedule with suppliers as needed, according to inventory availability and demand signals.
- Communicate shortages or risk of shortages to customer.
Benefits
- Be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Gain exposure to cross-functional operations and global supply chain strategies.
- Grow your career with mentorship and development opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
