Category Buyer

Caterpillar Inc.•Irving, TX

4d•$128,470 - $192,710•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. Are you ready to lead strategic procurement at a global level? This role leads the category strategy for semiconductors with a focus on developing and executing strategies for legacy product management, global semiconductor sourcing, tier-n supplier oversight, and overall Electrical & Electronics (E&E) goals, objectives, and reporting. E&E-managed suppliers and technologies play a critical role in Caterpillar’s ability to meet customer expectations across the enterprise. This team supports all Caterpillar business units in their engagement with customers, covering both new and existing products as well as aftermarket interests. You’ll collaborate extensively across internal networks, leveraging deep expertise in supplier relationship management to influence and advance Caterpillar’s strategic interests. Success in this role requires creative problem-solving, the ability to work semi-autonomously, and a strategic mindset to support current business needs. Additional key skills include creating professional materials, presenting to senior Caterpillar leaders and their teams, developing deep industry expertise, executing purposeful contracts, and collaborating with a network of procurement professionals to align and complement Tier-1 strategies. What matters most to you? Is it being part of a strong team? Supporting your family? Solving global problems? You can do these and more at Caterpillar; where your work enables progress around the globe, and you contribute to meaningful work. Together, we can build what matters! Job Description: Caterpillar is seeking a Senior Category Buyer at its headquarters in Irving, TX. As a Senior Category Buyer within Electrical & Electronics, you will provide purchasing solutions expertise using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum customer value.

Requirements

Data Analytics – Extensive Experience – Knowledge of techniques and processes for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data; ability to discover useful information, draw logical conclusions, and support decision-making.
Effective Communications – Extensive Experience – Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.
Interpersonal Relationships – Extensive Experience – Knowledge of the techniques and the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
Contracts Management and Administration – Extensive Experience – 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.
Category Management – Extensive Experience – Leads category strategy development aligned with business priorities, oversees supplier selection for NPI, NTI, and NSI programs. Promotes emerging tools & technologies to optimize category performance
Negotiating – Working Knowledge – 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.
Purchasing Tasks and Activities – Working Knowledge – Knowledge of policies, regulations, and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment, and services.
Supplier Relationship Management – Working Knowledge – 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 – Working Knowledge – Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies, and processes; ability to analyze, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.
Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years’ experience in the Procurement or related space or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience is preferred in purchasing, logistics, manufacturing, supply chain and/or engineering.
A track record of strategic ownership, including developing and executing complex category strategies and driving cross-functional alignment
Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including crafting visually compelling materials for executive audiences
Professional certification in Purchasing and/or Inventory Management preferred, e.g.; Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified in Production and Inventory management (CPIM) and Certified in Integration Resource Management (CIRM), or comparable international certification.
Strong relationship-building and influence skills, with experience engaging senior leaders and global suppliers to advance business goals
Experience negotiating traditional and non-traditional contracts with both US domestic and international suppliers.
Expertise in contract negotiation (traditional and non-traditional), with both domestic and international suppliers

Responsibilities

Responsible for the creation and deployment of the strategic semiconductor category strategy.
Support a high functioning team transitioning from tactical to strategic objectives.
Work with buyers, category managers, and engineering teams to ensure alignment on all finished component technology and supplier strategies.
Close collaboration with engineering teams to enable flawless New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Source Introduction (NSI).
Manage and improve current initiatives aimed at building resiliency through contracts, finished goods inventory, and global point of consumption effectiveness.
Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions, and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.
Responsible for all emergency AoS issues by strategically developing insights and relationships within the broker and secondary markets in close collaboration with the semi-conductor buyer
Execute current initiatives aimed at building resiliency through contracts, finished goods inventory, and global point of consumption effectiveness.