Caterpillar, Inc

Category Buyer

Caterpillar, Inc$112K — $169K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of sourcing, procurement, or category management experience
  • Experience with competitive sourcing events and negotiations
  • Knowledge of contract management and supplier relationship management
  • Ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders to achieve business goals
  • Strong analytical skills with attention to detail

Responsibilities

  • Support procurement of Material Handling Equipment Maintenance services
  • Execute RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, and supplier evaluations
  • Develop sourcing strategies by understanding business needs
  • Maintain relationships with suppliers and internal teams
  • Negotiate contracts and handle contract administration
  • Analyze proposals to recommend based on quality, risk, and cost
  • Contribute to supplier performance reviews and improvements

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Career Development
  • Incentive bonus
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Procurement

Job Description:

Caterpillar's Indirect Procurement organization is seeking a Category Buyer to support the sourcing and procurement of Material Handling Equipment Services within the United States.

In this role, you will partner closely with internal business stakeholders and external suppliers to develop sourcing strategies, execute competitive sourcing events, negotiate contracts, and support supplier performance initiatives. You will have the opportunity to work across multiple Caterpillar business segments while helping drive value, supplier partnerships, and operational excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to grow their procurement career and gain exposure to enterprise-wide sourcing and category management activities.

What You Will Do
  • Support sourcing and procurement activities for Material Handling Equipment Maintenance and related services categories.
  • Execute competitive sourcing events, including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, and bid analysis.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop sourcing solutions that align with organizational objectives.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal business partners.
  • Participate in contract negotiations and support contract administration activities.
  • Analyze supplier proposals and make recommendations based on business needs, risk, quality, and cost considerations.
  • Support supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Develop and present recommendations, sourcing strategies, and project updates to stakeholders and leadership.
  • Assist with identifying opportunities to improve processes, optimize supplier performance, and drive operational efficiencies.
  • Support the execution of category strategies and sourcing initiatives across Caterpillar's business units.


What You Have

Procurement & Sourcing
  • Experience supporting sourcing, procurement, supplier management, or category management activities.
  • Experience executing sourcing events and working with suppliers through the negotiation process.
  • Knowledge of contract management practices and supplier relationship management principles.
  • Experience working with both internal and external stakeholders to identify requirements and achieve business objectives.

Communication & Business Partnership
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with business partners, suppliers, and leadership.
  • Comfortable presenting recommendations, project updates, and business cases to stakeholders.
  • Ability to influence decisions and drive alignment across multiple groups.

Analytical & Problem Solving Skills
  • Ability to analyze supplier proposals, contract terms, and business requirements.
  • Strong attention to detail and decision-making skills.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities and initiative.


What Will Put You Ahead
  • Experience supporting indirect procurement categories.
  • Previous experience with supplier negotiations and contract development.
  • Experience supporting material handling equipment, facilities, services, logistics, or related categories.
  • Demonstrated success driving cost savings or supplier performance improvements.
  • Experience working in manufacturing, supply chain, operations, or procurement environments.
  • Exposure to strategic sourcing or category management methodologies.
  • Knowledge of procurement systems and tools.


Additional Information
  • Primary Location: Peoria, Building AB
  • Optional Locations: Sanford, NC; Clayton, NC; Victoria, TX; Griffin, GA
  • This position supports Caterpillar's Material Handling & Equipment Services category.
  • This position requires regular interaction with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.


Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:
August 11, 2026 - August 25, 2026

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

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Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

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Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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