Category Buyer

Caterpillar Inc.•East Peoria, IL

6d•$97,530 - $146,290•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Category Buyer. This person will provide supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value.

Requirements

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.
Works to achieve win-win in negotiations, rather than taking a win-lose approach.
Focuses on issues rather than personalities.
Uses active listening and probing techniques to surface problems, issues, and interests.
Demonstrates a willingness to examine own position.
Presents own position and listens attentively to position of others.
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.
Administers locally relevant contracts for the department.
Implements organizational protocols and procedures for contracts management.
Explains the types of information required before a contract is signed.
Reviews contracts to ensure compliance with contract specifications and regulations.
Assists in creating files of relevant information for specific vendors, customers, or contracts.
Knowledge of policies, regulations and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment and services.
Records documents of purchasing tasks and activities, such as orders, bidding.
Uses available procurement systems and tools.
Ensures compliance with procurement regulations and contract specifications.
Works with basic purchasing related tasks and activities.
Adheres to various requirements and steps of the procurement process.
Knowledge of supplier relationship management concept and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationship with suppliers.
Adheres to organizational policies and codes for supplier relationship management.
Communicates with suppliers about contract preparation and negotiation.
Documents and analyzes problems and challenges in supplier relationship establishment and management.
Monitors satisfaction levels of the organization's important suppliers on a regular basis.
Works with different external suppliers to address critical issues and resolves major problems for implementing supplier relationship management practices.
Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyze, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.
Works with various basic components of strategic sourcing, such as data analysis, market research and purchasing budgets examination.
Participates in enhancing institutional sourcing process continuously including identifying improvement opportunities.
Conducts strategic sourcing activities in a limited environment.
Follows relevant standards, policies and practices regarding strategic sourcing.
Assists senior sourcing professionals with strategic sourcing in multiple environments.

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 sensitiveness and production; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers.