Buyer, Category I

Progress Rail•La Grange, IL

2d•$65,879 - $119,760

About The Position

The Buyer, Category I develops, leads, maintains, and seeks functional management approval for sourcing strategies. The role continuously optimizes total cost of ownership, leads cost-reduction initiatives, participates in pre-bid and bid processes through the aftermarket phase, and selects, negotiates with, and establishes contracts with suppliers. The Buyer monitors supplier performance, resolves recurring quality and supply problems, and leads make-or-buy processes through approval by the Senior VP. The position works closely with other functions and supports operational issue resolution as needed. The Buyer negotiates supplier pricing and terms, develops and maintains qualified suppliers, procures quality materials to meet demand, and ensures the supply base has sufficient capacity and capability. The role supports production and aftermarket needs, coordinates engineering changes affecting purchased materials, expedites orders to support schedules, and works cross-functionally to resolve supplier, inventory, and material issues. It also monitors raw material and alloy trends to manage pricing and control costs, and performs work in accordance with company values, the Caterpillar Code of Conduct, and company purchasing, planning, and accounting policies. The position is typically based in an office environment and includes occasional travel as required. Its physical activities include frequent sitting, occasional standing and walking, rare lifting, and routine hand-eye coordination and communication. The role requires flexibility and teamwork to support the organization’s sourcing needs.

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 the ability to work with minimal supervision.
Interpersonal skills to work effectively in 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, ability to multitask, and ability to 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 field.
Prior purchasing experience.
Exposure to SAP.

Responsibilities

Develop, lead, maintain, and seek functional management approval for sourcing strategies.
Continuously optimize total cost of ownership and lead cost-reduction programs.
Participate in pre-bid and bid processes through the aftermarket phase.
Select suppliers, negotiate prices and terms, and establish supplier contracts.
Monitor supplier performance and resolve chronic quality and supply problems.
Lead make-or-buy processes through approval by the Senior VP.
Develop new qualified suppliers and maintain current qualified suppliers for assigned commodities.
Procure quality material to support demand requirements and maintain a supply base with the capacity and capability to meet requirements.
Troubleshoot issues involving assigned vendors and their parts, and 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 other functions.
Coordinate with Supply Chain to control inventory, including lead times, lot sizes, and minimum order quantities.
Monitor raw material and alloy trends and use them to manage part pricing and minimize cost.
Negotiate settlements for material issues related to quality, scheduling, or other causes.
Perform duties in accordance with Our Values in Action, Caterpillar’s Code of Conduct, and 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.
High-deductible health plan and health savings account 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.