Caterpillar, Inc

Category Buyer

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
  • 2-3 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, supplier management, supply chain, or a related field.
  • Experience participating in sourcing events and supplier negotiations.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to present recommendations and project updates to leadership.

Responsibilities

  • Support sourcing and procurement activities for Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) categories.
  • Lead competitive sourcing events such as RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs.
  • Analyze supplier proposals and make recommendations based on various criteria.
  • Monitor supplier performance and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Prepare and present sourcing recommendations and project updates to stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off plan including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plans.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • Career Development opportunities.
  • Disability benefits and life insurance.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Procurement

Job Description:

Caterpillar's Global Procurement organization is seeking a Category Buyer to support Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) sourcing and procurement activities across Caterpillar's manufacturing and operations network.

In this role, you will partner closely with facility leaders, operations teams, maintenance organizations, and suppliers to source equipment, consumables, services, and repair solutions that support safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations. You will lead sourcing events, support contract negotiations, develop supplier relationships, and collaborate with stakeholders to identify business requirements and procurement opportunities.

This role provides broad exposure to multiple Caterpillar facilities and offers the opportunity to influence sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and operational effectiveness across the enterprise.

What You Will Do
  • Support sourcing and procurement activities for Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) categories.
  • Partner with maintenance, operations, engineering, and facility stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop procurement solutions.
  • Lead competitive sourcing events, including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, and bid analysis.
  • Support contract negotiations and supplier selection activities.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal business partners.
  • Analyze supplier proposals and make recommendations based on cost, quality, risk, service, and business requirements.
  • Monitor supplier performance and participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support implementation and execution of category strategies and sourcing projects.
  • Prepare and present sourcing recommendations, supplier assessments, and project updates to stakeholders and leadership.
  • Identify opportunities to drive operational efficiencies, supplier improvements, and procurement value.
  • Support cross-functional initiatives that improve service levels, supplier performance, and business outcomes.


What You Have

Procurement & Sourcing
  • Experience supporting procurement, sourcing, supplier management, category buying, or supply chain activities.
  • Experience participating in sourcing events and supplier negotiations.
  • Understanding of contract administration and supplier relationship management principles.
  • Ability to evaluate supplier proposals and make business recommendations.

Stakeholder Management & Communication
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to present recommendations and project updates to leadership.
  • Comfortable working across organizations and influencing decisions without direct authority.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
  • Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
  • Ability to assess supplier performance, business requirements, and sourcing alternatives.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
  • 2-3 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, supplier management, supply chain, operations, manufacturing, or a related business discipline.
  • Experience working with suppliers and external business partners.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.


What Will Put You Ahead
  • Experience supporting Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) procurement activities.
  • Experience sourcing maintenance services, facilities services, equipment, consumables, or indirect materials.
  • Experience leading sourcing events and supplier negotiations.
  • Knowledge of strategic sourcing and category management methodologies.
  • Experience driving cost savings, supplier performance improvements, or process efficiencies.
  • Experience in manufacturing, industrial, operations, or maintenance environments.
  • Experience presenting recommendations to senior leaders and stakeholders.
  • Direct or indirect procurement experience.


Additional Information

Location Options: Peoria, IL (Building AB), Griffin, GA, Clayton, NC, Sanford, NC, Victoria, TX, San Antonio, TX, Seguin, TX, Irving, TX
  • This position supports Caterpillar's Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) procurement activities across multiple manufacturing and operations facilities.
  • This position requires regular collaboration with facility leaders, operations teams, maintenance organizations, and 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 17, 2026 - August 23, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

Benefits and Culture

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.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey at Caterpillar, Inc.? Explore our career portal for the latest job opportunities.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your subscription to receive updates that align with your career interests.

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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