Category Buyer

Caterpillar Inc.•Peoria, IL

3d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

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

Data Analytics: Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data to support decision-making and performance improvement.
Effective Communication: Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally, deliver presentations, and adapt messaging to the audience.
Interpersonal Relationships: Ability to collaborate cross-functionally, understand different perspectives, and build productive working relationships.
Purchasing Tasks & Activities: Ability to use procurement tools and follow purchasing processes while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and contract requirements.
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience supporting steel, fabricated, cast, forged, machined, or other industrial manufacturing commodities.

Nice To Haves

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, inventory optimization, 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.