Senior Category Buyer

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

1d•$128,470 - $192,710•Onsite

About The Position

Provides supply network solutions expertise to Caterpillar’s Hydraulics supply base within the Resources Industries Segment. Manages supplier relationships, collaborates with cross‑functional business partners, and delivers aligned business strategies. Maximizes value through the application of Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) methodologies. Serves as a leader within the supply network team, providing mentorship, coaching, and direction to develop capability and strengthen performance. Guides strategic priorities, supports talent development, and fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with enterprise and segment‑level objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in procurement preferred
Experience in purchasing, supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, engineering, or category buying.
Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to create clear, executive‑level materials.
Proven ability to build relationships and influence senior leaders and global suppliers to achieve business objectives.
Demonstrated expertise negotiating traditional and non‑traditional contracts with both domestic and international suppliers.
Effective Communications: Understanding 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.
Negotiating: 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.
Contracts Management and Administration: 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.
Supplier Relationship Management: Knowledge of supplier relationship management concept and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationship with suppliers.
Strategic Sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyze, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.

Nice To Haves

Hydraulics component and systems experience preferred.
Professional certification in Purchasing and/or Inventory Management preferred.

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.