Product Procurement Engineer

Caterpillar•Lafayette, IN

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. About Power & Energy Procurement Caterpillar’s Power & Energy Procurement organization plays a critical role in supporting all divisions within Power & Energy. Our work is geared towards our pistons of Predictable Supply Excellence, Optimized Total Cost of Ownership, Supplier Relationship Management and Lifecycle Sourcing Strategy. We continue to develop suppliers who competitively deliver operational excellence, enabling our customers to build a better world. With a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency, Power & Energy Procurement leverages advanced tools and processes to connect the physical and digital supply chain, enabling business units to deliver high-performance solutions that meet evolving customers and business needs Job Summary We are seeking a Product Procurement Engineer for our Lafayette facility. This individual will be responsible for managing part development activities related to New Source Introduction (NSI) in close collaboration with suppliers, design control engineers, value chain engineering, and procurement category teams. This role will also oversee the supplier tooling process and ensure effective execution.

Requirements

Data-driven Decision Making : Knowledge of the data-driven decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to gather and analyze data to make organizational decisions that align with strategic business objectives and goals. Applies an assigned technique for data-driven thinking in a Decision-Making process. Discerns between "signal" and "noise" when interpreting data. Identifies, obtains, and organizes relevant data and ideas. Participates in the process of choosing KPIs and metrics to influence decisions. Utilizes the basic data collection and evaluation tools and techniques.
Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems. Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue and determining its significance. Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions. Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. to disclose meaningful data patterns. Identifies the major forces, events and people impacting and impacted by the situation at hand. Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions.
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient. Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness. Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work. Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate. Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.
Interpersonal Relationships: Knowledge of the techniques and the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner. Explains impact of interactions with individuals and groups. Identifies roles and responsibilities for self and others. Demonstrates an understanding of alternative points of view. Collaborates with departmental associates and management. Adapts interaction style to situations and people.
Supplier Management - MFG: Knowledge of processes and methods to effectively manage business relationships and transactions with suppliers of raw materials or product components; ability to apply related knowledge, experience and skills into real practice. Follows procedures in carrying out routine supplier management tasks. Uses electronic systems or tools to record/retrieve supplier information and carry out transactions with suppliers. Resolves routine supplier issues; escalates non-routine issues up chain of command. Researches alternative vendors or suppliers; participates in supplier selection. Works with suppliers to ensure that purchases meet delivery date and quality specifications.

Responsibilities

Support New Source Introduction (NSI) efforts by collaborating with category, product group, and facility teams to ensure supplier capability and alignment with quality and delivery expectations
Lead supplier tooling execution for Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) and initiate process improvement activities
Actively contribute to the development of Category Procurement Strategies that support both NSI and long-term resiliency goals
Leverage EDOF and other tools to analyze supply performance and identify risks across forecasts, capacity, and single/region-sourced suppliers.