Category Buyer III

Caterpillar•Mossville, IL

13d•Onsite

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. We’re seeking a strategic procurement professional with a strong foundation in sourcing and supplier management, ideally from industrial manufacturing environments. The role demands ownership, analytical thinking, and a proactive mindset to navigate a complex product portfolio and build key supplier relationships.

Requirements

Data Analytics : Expert in guiding data-driven decisions through advanced analysis, predictive modeling, and process optimization.
Effective Communications : Skilled in tailoring messages, providing feedback, and influencing across all levels with clarity and empathy.
Interpersonal Relationships : Able to collaborate effectively, adapt to diverse perspectives, and build constructive working relationships.
Negotiating : Experienced in navigating complex negotiations to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes while managing risks and progress.
Contracts Management and Administration : Proficient in applying contract protocols, ensuring compliance, and supporting vendor documentation.
Purchasing Tasks and Activities : Capable of executing procurement processes, maintaining records, and ensuring regulatory adherence.
Supplier Relationship Management : Leads supplier engagement strategies, resolves conflicts, and enhances partnership effectiveness.
Strategic Sourcing : Supports continuous improvement in sourcing through data analysis, market research, and policy alignment.

Nice To Haves

A strong foundation in strategic procurement, ideally gained in complex manufacturing or industrial environments.
Proven ability to take ownership, manage competing priorities, and analyze data to support decision-making.
A proactive mindset with a drive to learn, build supplier relationships, and understand customer needs quickly.
Adaptability in communication, entrepreneurial thinking, and a willingness to be hands-on while maintaining strategic focus.
Readiness to navigate a high-variant product portfolio and engage stakeholders with clarity and confidence.

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 sensitivity and production; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers.