Category Buyer - Procurement/Strategic Sourcing

Caterpillar Inc.•Peoria, IL

1d•$89,210 - $133,810•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. As a Category Buyer, you will help shape category strategies, improve supplier performance, and drive measurable outcomes across cost, quality, risk, and supply continuity. All while working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. This role is ideal for a procurement professional who enjoys negotiation, stakeholder relationship management, and competitive pricing challenges. You will actively manage spend, apply forecasting insights, and partner with suppliers and internal stakeholders to influence outcomes and drive value. With new challenges every day, this role offers variety, visibility, and the opportunity to see the direct impact of your decisions.

Requirements

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.
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.
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 in Supply Chain or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience with Strategic Sourcing: Familiarity with strategic sourcing concepts, steps, and benefits.
Supplier Relationship Management: Understanding supplier relationship processes and the value of supplier engagement.
Contracts Management & Administration: Awareness of core contract administration concepts, activities, and reports.
Negotiation: Understanding foundational negotiation concepts, rapport-building, and trust-building techniques.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and execute category strategies, including policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.
Identify opportunities for cost reductions and quality improvements, while supporting sound business proposals and risk assessment.
Serve as a key liaison between Caterpillar and suppliers—communicating clearly while balancing production needs and supplier constraints.
Track, document, and improve supplier performance (including responsiveness and delivery) and build strong supplier relationships.
Use data and insights to evaluate trends, analyze business outcomes, and present recommendations to stakeholders and leaders.
Ensure purchasing work aligns to procurement processes, compliance expectations, and contract specifications.