Career Area:

Procurement

Job Description:

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.

Job Summary
As a Category Buyer III, you will be the driving force behind a high-performing supply network, optimizing Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value. You’ll develop and execute category strategies, negotiate impactful agreements, and foster strong supplier relationships to drive cost savings, improve quality, and streamline logistics. Acting as the key liaison between our company and suppliers, you’ll ensure seamless communication, assess risks, and enhance efficiency to meet production demands. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love strategic problem-solving, and are passionate about supply chain excellence, this is your opportunity to make a real impact!

What You Will Do: 

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.

What You Will Have: 

Data Analytics: Extensive experience with understanding of data inspection, cleansing, transformation, and modeling to drive informed decision-making. Proven ability to anticipate challenges, interpret risks and opportunities in predictive modeling, and lead data collection initiatives while mentoring junior employees.

Negotiating: Extensive experience in the ability to navigate complex discussions internally and externally to achieve successful outcomes. Proven track record of leading high-stakes negotiations by identifying common ground, assessing impacts, and ensuring productive, collaborative solutions.

Contracts Management and Administration: Working knowledge of the ability to implement organizational protocols and ensure compliance with contract specifications. Capable of explaining key contract requirements and supporting the contract lifecycle to align with business needs., or contracts.)

Purchasing Tasks and Activities: Working knowledge being able to follow procurement processes, regulations, and best practices. Skilled in documenting purchasing activities, using procurement systems, and ensuring compliance with contract specifications.

Supplier Relationship Management: Extensive experience with a strong ability to build strategic partnerships, resolve conflicts, and drive supplier performance. Proven ability to refine processes, conduct performance reviews, and mentor junior team members in supplier selection, evaluation, and management.

Strategic Sourcing: Knowledge of experience in data analysis, market research, and budget examination to support procurement activities. Capable of assisting in continuous process improvement, identifying sourcing opportunities, and adhering to established standards and policies.

Additional Information: 

This location is in East Peoria, IL.

This position may require frequent travel.

Relocation is not offered for this position

Sponsorship is not available for this position

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. 

Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) designs, tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L engines that not only power Caterpillar machines, but also power over 5000 other applications including Marine, Petroleum, Industrial Applications, Electric Generators, and Locomotives. Caterpillar’s company strategy includes sustainability as one of four focus areas and IPSD is engaged and actively preparing green energy solutions for the future.  

This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O

Summary Pay Range:

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. 

Benefits:

Annual incentive bonus plan*

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)

401k savings plan

Health savings account (HSA)

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Healthy Lifestyle Programs

Employee Assistance Programs

Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development

*Subject to annual eligibility and incentive plan guidelines.

Posting Dates:

February 10, 2025 - February 16, 2025

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.     

EEO/AA Employer.  All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.

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