Buyer, Category I

Progress Rail•La Grange, IL

About The Position

The Buyer develops, leads, maintains, and seeks functional management approval for sourcing strategies. The role optimizes total cost of ownership, leads cost-reduction efforts, participates in sourcing and bidding activities through the aftermarket phase, selects and negotiates with suppliers, establishes contracts, and monitors supplier performance. The Buyer addresses recurring quality and supply problems, leads make-or-buy decisions through Senior VP approval, and works across functions to resolve operational issues. The position manages supplier pricing, contracts, capacity, quality, and delivery for assigned commodities. It supports production and aftermarket demand, coordinates engineering changes to purchased materials, helps expedite supply, and works with Supply Chain to manage inventory. The role also coordinates with functions including Engineering, Quality, Accounts Payable, Transportation, Receiving, Production, Customer Service, and Demand Planning. Duties are performed in accordance with company values, code of conduct, and purchasing, planning, and accounting policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office products, and excellent computer skills.
PCBA, contract manufacturing, or steel fabrication background.
At least two years of progressively responsible job-related experience.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated analytical ability and problem-solving skills.
Self-starter with initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Interpersonal skills to work within a team environment.
Ability to read or learn to read blueprints and understand basic engineering documents.
Experience with demand forecasting and inventory management.
Ability to travel as required.
Attention to detail and ability to multitask and prioritize tasks with strict deadlines.
Ability to apply logic and reasoning to identify solutions to problems.
Demonstrated personal time-management skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or an engineering-focused degree.
Prior purchasing experience.
SAP exposure.

Responsibilities

Develop, lead, maintain, and seek functional management approval for sourcing strategies.
Optimize total cost of ownership and lead cost-reduction programs.
Participate in pre-bid and bid processes through the aftermarket phase.
Select, negotiate with, and establish contracts with suppliers.
Monitor supplier performance and resolve chronic quality and supply problems.
Lead make-or-buy processes through approval from the Senior VP.
Negotiate supplier prices and terms and implement cost reductions on supplier products.
Develop new qualified suppliers and maintain current qualified suppliers for assigned commodities.
Procure quality materials to meet demand requirements and maintain a supply base with appropriate capacity and capability.
Troubleshoot issues relating to assigned vendors and their parts.
Respond to changing production and aftermarket customer needs.
Coordinate execution of engineering changes affecting purchased material.
Provide expedite assistance to support schedule performance.
Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Accounts Payable, Supply Chain, Transportation, Receiving, Production, Customer Service, Demand Planning, and others.
Coordinate with Supply Chain to control inventory using lead times, lot sizes, minimum order quantities, and related factors.
Monitor raw material and alloy trends and use them to manage part pricing and minimize cost.
Negotiate settlements for material issues caused by quality, scheduling, or other factors.
Perform duties in accordance with company values and Caterpillar’s Code of Conduct, and follow company, purchasing, planning, and accounting policies and procedures.

Benefits

Competitive salary.
401(k) plan with up to 6% company match, immediate vesting, and no waiting period.
Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
Supplemental accident, critical care, and hospital insurance.
HDHP and HSA with seed money.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Paid vacation.
Paid holidays.
Paid time off.
Employee Assistance Plan.
Education Assistance Program.
Employee Recognition Programs.
Site-specific production and incentive plans.
Site-specific step and skill level wage adjustment plans.
Site-specific relocation and sign-on bonus programs.