Category Buyer III

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

About The Position

Provides supply network solutions expertise to Caterpillar’s Hydraulics supply base within the Resources Industries Segment. Manage supplier relationships, collaborate with business partners, and deliver business strategies. Maximized benefits are generated using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) techniques.

Requirements

Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Negotiating: Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts and techniques; ability to negotiate successfully across the organization and with external vendors and clients in a constructive and collaborative manner.
Contracts Management and Administration: Knowledge of policies, standards and processes of how to manage and administer contracts; ability to use proper processes and practices for managing and administering a variety of contractual agreements.
Supplier Relationship Management: Knowledge of supplier relationship management concept and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationship with suppliers.
Strategic Sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyze, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience with hydraulic components and systems
Procurement experience in a category buyer role
Background in supply chain and logistics

Responsibilities

Developing, managing and executing the Hydraulics 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 sensitiveness and production; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers.