Category Buyer

Category Buyer – Caterpillar Inc.

We want you to bring your category buying expertise to a global team that cares about building stronger, more sustainable communities.

Procurement

• Developing, managing and executing the category strategy, managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.
• Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, and ensuring soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.
• Acting as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering production demands and suppliers' conditions.
• Documenting the suppliers' performance on time sensitiveness and production; maintaining a strong relationship with suppliers.

Degree or equivalent experience desired.

• Data Analytics: Applies advanced data analysis techniques to uncover insights, evaluate data quality, and guide decision‑making.
• Effective Communications: Communicates clearly and persuasively across audiences, adapting messages, providing feedback, and balancing empathy with assertiveness.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Builds constructive working relationships by understanding different perspectives, clarifying roles, and adapting interactions.
• Negotiating: Leads complex negotiations by identifying interests, assessing risks, and driving win‑win outcomes while resolving obstacles and maintaining progress.
• Contracts Management & Administration: Supports contract creation and compliance by applying organizational processes, reviewing documentation, and managing contract information effectively.
• Purchasing Tasks &
  
  Activities:
  
  Executes core procurement activities by using purchasing systems, maintaining documentation, and ensuring compliance with processes and regulations.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Strengthens supplier partnerships by guiding SRM practices, coaching others, resolving challenges, and evaluating supplier impact on business performance.
• Strategic Sourcing: Contributes to sourcing strategies through data analysis, market research, and process improvement while supporting senior sourcing professionals.

• Knowledge of steel products.
• Experience with suppliers of fabrications.
• Procurement experience as a category buyer.
• Supply chain / logistics experience.

This position is based in Peoria, IL and requires on‑site attendance five days per week.

Relocation assistance is not available.

Visa sponsorship is not offered for this role.

This position requires less than 20% travel.

$ – $

• 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

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.