Category Buyer Iii

**Career Area**:
Procurement

**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.

**Role Definition**

Provides supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value.

**Responsibilities**
- Serve as the primary contact between Caterpillar and the supply base for global/regional initiatives, including filling the functional seat for commercial discussions/negotiations with suppliers, being the recognized expert for his or her assigned portion of the global category, supports development and execution of global category strategies, and drives performance excellence in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) through direct leverage with the supply base partnering with Supplier Development Professional (SDP) personnel and Product/Facility Procurement organizations. Buyer may also be a Supplier Lead for suppliers with multiple source buyers. This role is responsible and accountable for the development, and/or communication and implementation of a, regional, or worldwide sourcing strategy. Responsible for development, management and execution of the global category strategy, managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs. Accountable for the liaison with the corresponding source buyers.
- Provide leadership for strategic sourcing - qualified supply network, business continuity, supplier risk management - capacity & financial, contract management, supplier commercial negotiations, cost/spend management - TCA assurance, supplier on boarding/off boarding, lead/response time optimization and resource management decisions. Lead continuous improvement initiatives and purchasing new product introduction activities within Purchasing. Demonstrate leadership in recognizing the potential for cost and inventory reductions, and quality improvement; as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment. Mentor and develop other Buyers, SQEs, and Purchasing Analysts (where assigned). Promote the highest level of professionalism and business ethics
- Acting as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering production demands and suppliers' conditions.
- Tools and Techniques of 6 Sigma will be required and may be attained by Black Belt, Green Belt, Project Sponsor, or other 6 Sigma related training programs. The incumbent will lead 6 Sigma Strategic Sourcing teams to fully understand the current performance of the supply network, evaluate strategic options, decide a course of action, and begin implementation. The incumbent must also have strong knowledge of the product, NPI, Facility, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Category Strategies.
- Collaborate with Supplier Development Engineers, to ensure continuous improvement in QCLDM with key suppliers. Build and foster mutually beneficial supplier relationships at all organizational levels.

**Degree Requirement**

Experience is preferred in purchasing, logistics, manufacturing, and/or engineering. The position requires an undergraduate degree from a college or university - or equivalent experience. A minimum of four years of progressively responsible job-related experience.

Professional certification in Purchasing and/or Inventory Management preferred, e.g.; Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified in Integration Resource Management (CIRM), or comparable international certification. Well-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions. This individual normally possesses category team or product team experience. Functional leadership. Is experienced in leading teams, suppliers and customers to effective solutions. Analytical, problem solving, and project leadership skill. Effective communicator, in written and oral form. Fluent in the English language and preferred other languages. Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Caterpillar and our suppliers. Extremely Strong Negotiator, able to interpret, analyze and negotiate contractual cost elements.

Understanding of QCLDM

**Skill Descriptors**

**Data Analytics**:Knowledge of techniques and processes for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data; ability to discover useful information, draw logical conclusions, and support decision-making.

Level Extensive Experience:

- Advises stakeholders o