Category Buyer

Career Area:

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.

Caterpillar's Indirect Procurement organization is seeking a Category Buyer to support the sourcing and procurement of Material Handling Equipment Services within the United States.

In this role, you will partner closely with internal business stakeholders and external suppliers to develop sourcing strategies, execute competitive sourcing events, negotiate contracts, and support supplier performance initiatives. You will have the opportunity to work across multiple Caterpillar business segments while helping drive value, supplier partnerships, and operational excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to grow their procurement career and gain exposure to enterprise-wide sourcing and category management activities.

What You Will Do

• Support sourcing and procurement activities for Material Handling Equipment Maintenance and related services categories.
• Execute competitive sourcing events, including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, and bid analysis.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop sourcing solutions that align with organizational objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal business partners.
• Participate in contract negotiations and support contract administration activities.
• Analyze supplier proposals and make recommendations based on business needs, risk, quality, and cost considerations.
• Support supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and present recommendations, sourcing strategies, and project updates to stakeholders and leadership.
• Assist with identifying opportunities to improve processes, optimize supplier performance, and drive operational efficiencies.
• Support the execution of category strategies and sourcing initiatives across Caterpillar's business units.

What You Have

Procurement & Sourcing

• Experience supporting sourcing, procurement, supplier management, or category management activities.
• Experience executing sourcing events and working with suppliers through the negotiation process.
• Knowledge of contract management practices and supplier relationship management principles.
• Experience working with both internal and external stakeholders to identify requirements and achieve business objectives.

Communication & Business Partnership

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with business partners, suppliers, and leadership.
• Comfortable presenting recommendations, project updates, and business cases to stakeholders.
• Ability to influence decisions and drive alignment across multiple groups.

Analytical & Problem Solving Skills

• Ability to analyze supplier proposals, contract terms, and business requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities and initiative.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Experience supporting indirect procurement categories.
• Previous experience with supplier negotiations and contract development.
• Experience supporting material handling equipment, facilities, services, logistics, or related categories.
• Demonstrated success driving cost savings or supplier performance improvements.
• Experience working in manufacturing, supply chain, operations, or procurement environments.
• Exposure to strategic sourcing or category management methodologies.
• Knowledge of procurement systems and tools.

Additional Information

• Primary Location: Peoria, Building AB
• Optional Locations: Sanford, NC; Clayton, NC; Victoria, TX; Griffin, GA
• This position supports Caterpillar's Material Handling & Equipment Services category.
• This position requires regular interaction with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Summary Pay Range:

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:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

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

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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