Purchasing Specialist – Manufacturing Facility

Caterpillar•South Milwaukee, WI

6d•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. In this Purchasing Specialist role, you will play a critical part in supporting production by managing the procurement of high-value, low-volume components that serve as the backbone of our machines, including parts that can exceed $1M+ in value. This role drives material flow from source to dock through strong supplier coordination and data-driven decisions, with a focus on improving responsiveness, cost, quality, and continuity of supply. It’s an ideal role for a procurement professional who enjoys solving operational challenges, working cross-functionally, and partnering closely with suppliers while maintaining a high level of accuracy, accountability, and strategic oversight.

Requirements

Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.
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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Industrial Tech, or related field preferred.
Experience with ERP / MRP systems such as SAP or a similar enterprise procurement platform.
Experience supporting procurement or supplier performance in a large manufacturing plant, heavy industrial environment, or complex facility operation.
Experience managing large-scale purchasing orders in a low-volume, high-value environment where accuracy is critical.

Responsibilities

Support a lean, responsive, and resilient flow of materials and services for the facility from source to dock and other required delivery points.
Help identify opportunities for cost reduction, inventory optimization, and quality improvement while applying sound business judgment and risk awareness.
Operate and monitor supply network procurement activities to help meet response time, cost, quality, and lean performance targets that support efficient facility operations.
Partner with internal stakeholders and suppliers to resolve facility-specific supplier issues quickly and effectively.
Use process management tools to map workflows, identify bottlenecks, and improve procurement-related business processes.
Apply data-driven decision-making to organize relevant information, evaluate options, and support operational and supply decisions.
Coordinate with logistics and planning teams to support delivery timing, material availability, and continuity of supply.