Caterpillar logo

Senior Category Buyer

Caterpillar
Full-time
On-site
Illinois

Career Area:

Procurement

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.

What You Will Do:

• Developing, managing and facilitating the execution of the global category strategy incorporating policies, agreements, source catalogs or competitive intelligence, and special procurement programs.
• Recognizing the potential for cost reduction, inventory adjustments, and quality improvement—while maintaining responsibility for soundness of business proposals and overall 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; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers

• Maintain and further develop the category supply resiliency strategy, as a subset of the overall global category strategy – while also facilitating execution of it within the scope of the overall global category strategy.

Education Requirement
Bachelor’s degree required, MBA preferred

What You Will Have:

Strategic Sourcing

  • Directly aligns with the manager’s emphasis on strategic sourcing, global category strategy, and value-added cost reduction execution.
  • Includes experience in negotiations, contracting, and continuous process improvement.

Supplier Relationship Management

  • Matches the need for supplier relationship and performance management.
  • Supports the ability to build partnerships, resolve conflicts, and influence supplier outcomes.

Contracts Management and Administration

  • Reflects the manager’s requirement for contract negotiation and administration.
  • Covers risk management, process efficiency, and legal considerations in contract execution.

Top Candidates Will Also Have:

  • MBA or advanced degree in relevant field
  • Experience using the Supply Resiliency Thread application
  • Familiarity with CAT Lognet systems and workflows
  • Prior involvement in facilitating CAT ABP (Annual Business Planning) or RBM (Resource Business Management) processes for procurement categories
  • Domain expertise in the bearings category, including sourcing or supplier management

Additional Details:

  • Location: This position is based in Mossville, IL and requires on-site presence five days a week.
  • Travel: Up to 25% travel may be required.
  • Relocation: Relocation assistance is not available for this role.
  • Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not offered.

Summary Pay Range:

$126,000.00 - $189,000.00

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 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:

September 11, 2025 - September 25, 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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.