Category Buyer
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.
Category Buyer within the RISM Global Electronics & Electrical Category Procurement Team focused on executing global semiconductor strategy, maintaining the semiconductor buffer, and managing the associated tier-n supply base. E&E managed suppliers and technology play a decisive role in Caterpillar's ability to meet customer expectations across the enterprise. This team supports all Caterpillar business units as they engage their customers as it relates to new & current products as well as aftermarket interests. Success will require the ability to work and think creatively to solve problems, develop deep industry expertise, and collaborate with a network of procurement professionals and engineers to link to and compliment Tier-1 strategies.
What You Will Do :
- Support critical E&E strategy development, deployment, and reporting.
- Responsible for the strategic semiconductor resiliency program.
- Lead the enterprise reporting and stakeholder updates.
- Manage complex systems to execute purchase orders, invoicing, and inventory management.
- Work with procurement and engineering teams to ensure alignment on all finished component technology and supplier strategies.
- Work closely with engineering process partners to enable flawless New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Source Introduction (NSI).
- Execute current initiatives aimed at building resiliency through contracts, finished goods inventory, and global point of consumption effectiveness.
- Responsible for all emergency AoS issues by strategically developing insights and relationships within the broker and secondary markets.
Education Requirement : Degree or equivalent experience desired
What You Will Have :
Data Analytics & Strategic SourcingAdvises on linking financial, performance, and operational data to support decision-making.Identifies trends, evaluates data quality, and interprets predictive modeling risks.Leads data collection efforts and mentors others on sourcing and analytics practices.Supports strategic sourcing through data analysis, market research, and process improvement.Communication & Interpersonal SkillsCoaches others on effective writing, presentations, and audience adaptation.Communicates clearly across all levels, balancing empathy and assertiveness.Collaborates with diverse teams, adapting style to context and individuals.Uses persuasive techniques to build consensus and maintain focus.Negotiation & Supplier ManagementLeads complex negotiations, balancing organizational interests with collaborative outcomes.Resolves conflicts and builds consensus with internal and external stakeholders.Coaches teams on supplier selection and relationship management.Evaluates supplier impact on financials and refines partnership processes.Contracts & Procurement OperationsAdministers contracts and ensures compliance with organizational protocols.Manages purchasing tasks using procurement systems and regulatory standards.Supports vendor documentation and contract review processes.Participates in procurement activities aligned with strategic sourcing goals.Top Candidates Will Also Have :
Experience working semi-autonomously, thinking creatively, and gaining broad-based and cross-functional consensusDeep expertise in building and leveraging relationships while building a highly effective networkExperience meeting with and reporting out to senior leaders with Cat and externally with the supply baseExperience developing and completing complex category strategiesExperience negotiating traditional and non-traditional contracts with both US domestic and international suppliersExpertise at crafting and presenting highly visual and engaging materials to targeted audiencesPrevious purchasing, operations or supply chain knowledge experienceProficiency in English and advanced communication / negotiation skillsLocation : Mossville, IL or Dallas, TX
Work Authorization : No sponsorship available
Relocation Assistance : Not provided
Travel Requirement : Up to 25%
Work Environment : Onsite, in-office 5 days a week
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 :
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefitsPaid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)401(k) savings plansHealth Savings Account (HSA)Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Health Lifestyle ProgramsEmployee Assistance ProgramVoluntary Benefits and Employee DiscountsCareer DevelopmentIncentive bonusDisability benefitsLife InsuranceParental leaveAdoption benefitsTuition ReimbursementThese benefits also apply to part-time employeesPosting Dates : September 30, 2025 - October 6, 2025
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.