Category Buyer

About the Role

In this role you will provide supply‑network solutions using the QCLDM framework to maximize value. You will shape category strategies, evaluate cost‑saving and quality opportunities, act as the primary link between internal teams and suppliers, and monitor supplier performance to ensure timely production. • Develop, manage, and execute category strategy, policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs. • Identify cost reduction, inventory reduction, and quality improvement opportunities; assess business proposals and risks. • Serve as liaison between organization and suppliers, communicating information while considering production demands and supplier conditions. • Document supplier performance on timeliness and production; maintain strong supplier relationships. • Advise stakeholders on financial, performance, and operational data relationships for business analytics. • Anticipate operational challenges of data collection and integration with decision‑making. • Identify correlations revealing trends and conditions. • Evaluate data quality and analysis methods for business performance evaluation. • Interpret risks, threats, and opportunities in predictive modeling. • Direct implementation of data collection processes and educate junior employees on new data sources. • Deliver helpful feedback focusing on behavior without offense. • Make oral presentations and write reports as needed. • Avoid inappropriate technical jargon. • Explain impact of interactions with individuals and groups. • Identify roles and responsibilities for self and others. • Collaborate with departmental associates and management. • Use active listening and probing to uncover problems, issues, and interests. • Administer locally relevant contracts for the department. • Implement organizational protocols and procedures for contract management. • Explain required information before contract signing. • Review contracts for compliance with specifications and regulations. • Assist in creating vendor, customer, or contract files. • Record purchasing documents such as orders and bids. • Use available procurement systems and tools. • Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and contract specifications. • Perform basic purchasing tasks and activities. • Follow procurement process steps and requirements. • Follow organizational policies and codes for supplier relationship management. • Communicate with suppliers about contract preparation and negotiation. • Document and analyze problems in supplier relationship establishment and management. • Monitor satisfaction levels of key suppliers regularly. • Work with external suppliers to address critical issues and resolve major problems. • Work with basic components of strategic sourcing: data analysis, market research, budget examination. • Participate in continuous improvement of sourcing processes and identify improvement opportunities. • Conduct strategic sourcing activities in a limited environment. • Follow standards, policies, and practices for strategic sourcing. • Assist senior sourcing professionals with strategic sourcing across multiple environments.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸category strategy
• ▸data analysis
• ▸supplier performance
• ▸contract management
• ▸procurement systems
• ▸strategic sourcing

What You Bring

A degree or equivalent experience is preferred, complemented by strong data‑analytics capabilities, effective communication, interpersonal skills, negotiation expertise, and knowledge of contracts, purchasing, supplier management, and strategic sourcing. Candidates should be able to analyze data, advise stakeholders, and guide junior staff in data‑driven decision making. • Listen to feedback without defensiveness and use it to improve communication. • Observe non‑verbal cues from individuals and groups. • Demonstrate understanding of alternative points of view. • Adapt interaction style to situations and people. • Be willing to examine own position. • Present own position and listen attentively to others.

Requirements

• ▸degree,
• ▸data analytics
• ▸,negotiation,contracts,
• ▸supplier management
• ▸strategic sourcing

Benefits

The position is eligible for relocation and was posted from February 2 to February 12, 2026. Caterpillar is an equal‑opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any age. Caterpillar’s culture emphasizes integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment, and sustainability. Employees receive professional growth opportunities, leadership programs, and a supportive environment that values diversity and collaboration.

Work Environment

Office Full-Time