Category Buyer II

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.

Your Work Shapes the World

Whether it be groundbreaking products, best in class solutions or creating a lifelong career, you can do the work that matters at Caterpillar. With a 95-year legacy of quality and innovation and 150 locations in countries around the world, your impact spans the globe.

When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a team of makers, innovators and doers. We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation. We make it happen. And we are proud of that, because it helps our customers build and power the world we live in – the roads, hospitals, homes and infrastructure. Without a dedicated workforce Caterpillar could not effectively meet our customer’s needs. Join us.

What You Will Do:

Primary contact between Caterpillar and the supply base for global/regional initiatives, including filling the functional, commercial discussions/negotiations with suppliers, being the recognized expert for his or her assigned portion of the global category, supporting 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 Supplier Lead role will help to manage the supplier relationship for that supplier’s location including but not limited to Supplier Relationship Mgmt., Supplier Performance Mgmt., Cost Mgmt., Risk Mgmt., and Category Network Mgmt. This role is responsible and accountable for the development, and/or communication and implementation of a regional, and worldwide sourcing strategy. Responsible for the 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, logistics, contract management, supplier commercial negotiations, cost/spend management – TCA assurance, supplier onboarding/offboarding, 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 Category Buyers, SDEs, and Supply Network Specialists (where assigned). Promote the highest level of professionalism and business ethics. 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 actively participate in 6 Sourcing 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 Supplier Development 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.

What You Have (Basic Qualifications):

The position requires an undergraduate degree from a college or university – or equivalent experience. A minimum of 8+ years of progressively responsible job-related experience. Well-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus. This individual normally possesses category team or product team experience. Functional leadership. Capable of leading teams, suppliers, and customers to effective solutions. Analytical, problem-solving, and project leadership skills. 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. Strong Negotiator, able to interpret, analyze, and negotiate contractual cost elements. Understanding of QCLDM. Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, fostering collaboration and alignment to achieve shared goals. Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic mindset with the capability to understand market trends, anticipate future needs, and develop proactive strategies to drive business growth. Problem Solving: Proficiency in approaches, tools, and techniques to recognize, anticipate, and resolve organization, operational, or process problems. Ability to resolve issues within diverse situations. Design for (Manufacturing, Shipping, Assembly, etc.): Data Gathering & Analysis: Experience in gathering and analyzing data to inform decision-making, identify trends, and provide actionable insights that drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Top candidates will also have:

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.

WorkLocation - Thiruvallur

At Caterpillar, we believe each person is unique and valued, and are committed to ensuring that our workplace is diverse and representative of the many customers we serve around the globe. Different perspectives help us achieve our best work and come together to form a high-performing Caterpillar team that makes positive changes in the communities where we live and work.

Learn about Caterpillar at

Employee benefit details

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world.

Here you earn more than just wage, because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides day one benefits along with the potential of a variable bonus.

Additional benefits include paid vacation days and paid holidays (prorated based upon hire date).

Final details

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

Caterpillar offers many job opportunities which can be found through our employment website at .

Posting Dates:

July 16, 2024 - August 14, 2024

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).

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