Strategy Manager – Emerging Connectivity Technologies

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

2d•$159,120 - $238,680•Onsite

About The Position

The Strategy Manager – Emerging Connectivity & Network Technologies will lead Caterpillar’s efforts to systematically identify, evaluate, and down select emerging connectivity technologies, network architectures, and startup ecosystems to accelerate digital and site connectivity capabilities. This role combines technology scouting, strategic analysis, and investment advisory, driving informed decisions on mergers & acquisitions (M&A), joint development partnerships, and internal capability development. The position plays a critical role in shaping Caterpillar’s long-term competitive advantage in connectivity, and digital solutions by translating market intelligence into actionable strategy and investment priorities.

Requirements

Strategic Thinking: Knowledge of the importance of "big picture" thinking and planning; ability to apply organizational acumen and competitiveness to identify and maintain focus on key success factors for the organization.
Consulting: Knowledge of techniques, roles, and responsibilities in providing technical or business guidance to clients, both internal and external; ability to apply consulting knowledge appropriately.
Visioning: Understanding of the value of articulating an intended business outcome and ability to create and communicates a vision of the organization that motivates others to superior performance.
Stakeholder Management: Knowledge of stakeholder management techniques; ability to systematically identify stakeholders, analyze their needs and expectations, and implement various tasks to engage with them.
Global Perspective: Knowledge of issues, opportunities, and challenges for conducting business in the international marketplace; ability to apply global perspectives appropriately in a wide range of situations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Business, or related field (Advanced degree preferred)
Significant experience in technology strategy, innovation, or partnerships
Proven ability to evaluate emerging technologies and translate them into business value
Strong analytical capability in market intelligence, competitive analysis, and investment decision-making
Experience working across cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders
Experience in: Connectivity technologies and site infrastructure (hardware/software)
Startup ecosystems, venture trends, or open innovation models
M&A, partnerships, or corporate strategy roles
Strong understanding of global connectivity solution providers and network ecosystems
Demonstrated success in forming and scaling strategic partnerships

Responsibilities

Set the long‑term strategic vision for Connectivity, defining where Caterpillar must be positioned into the future.
Lead external market and technology intelligence, tracking industry trends, emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and customer needs.
Scout the ecosystem for startups, partners, OEMs, and technology providers relevant to Caterpillar’s connectivity goals.
Analyze the competitive ecosystem, identifying threats, disruptive entrants, and whitespace opportunities across connectivity, autonomy, and digital services.
Build evaluation frameworks to compare technologies and startups based on maturity, scalability, fit, risk, and value.
Drive down selection decisions through structured, governance-aligned reviews and data-based recommendations.
Identify and evaluate partnership, merger, and acquisition opportunities that accelerate capability growth or fill strategic gaps.
Support due diligence and capital planning for strategic technology investments and partnerships.
Build and maintain strong external networks with technology vendors, startups, standards bodies, and research institutions to influence and anticipate industry direction.
Translate external insights into actionable internal strategy, shaping roadmaps, capability development, and organizational focus.
Advises leadership and aligns stakeholders to ensure selected technologies are adopted and executed successfully.