Category Buyer

Caterpillar•Peoria, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar's Global Procurement organization is seeking a Category Buyer to support Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) sourcing and procurement activities across Caterpillar's manufacturing and operations network. In this role, you will partner closely with facility leaders, operations teams, maintenance organizations, and suppliers to source equipment, consumables, services, and repair solutions that support safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations. You will lead sourcing events, support contract negotiations, develop supplier relationships, and collaborate with stakeholders to identify business requirements and procurement opportunities. This role provides broad exposure to multiple Caterpillar facilities and offers the opportunity to influence sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and operational effectiveness across the enterprise.

Requirements

Procurement & Sourcing Experience supporting procurement, sourcing, supplier management, category buying, or supply chain activities.
Experience participating in sourcing events and supplier negotiations.
Understanding of contract administration and supplier relationship management principles.
Ability to evaluate supplier proposals and make business recommendations.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Experience collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to present recommendations and project updates to leadership.
Comfortable working across organizations and influencing decisions without direct authority.
Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
Ability to assess supplier performance, business requirements, and sourcing alternatives.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
2-3 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, supplier management, supply chain, operations, manufacturing, or a related business discipline.
Experience working with suppliers and external business partners.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) procurement activities.
Experience sourcing maintenance services, facilities services, equipment, consumables, or indirect materials.
Experience leading sourcing events and supplier negotiations.
Knowledge of strategic sourcing and category management methodologies.
Experience driving cost savings, supplier performance improvements, or process efficiencies.
Experience in manufacturing, industrial, operations, or maintenance environments.
Experience presenting recommendations to senior leaders and stakeholders.
Direct or indirect procurement experience.

Responsibilities

Support sourcing and procurement activities for Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) categories.
Partner with maintenance, operations, engineering, and facility stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop procurement solutions.
Lead competitive sourcing events, including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, and bid analysis.
Support contract negotiations and supplier selection activities.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal business partners.
Analyze supplier proposals and make recommendations based on cost, quality, risk, service, and business requirements.
Monitor supplier performance and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
Support implementation and execution of category strategies and sourcing projects.
Prepare and present sourcing recommendations, supplier assessments, and project updates to stakeholders and leadership.
Identify opportunities to drive operational efficiencies, supplier improvements, and procurement value.
Support cross-functional initiatives that improve service levels, supplier performance, and business outcomes.