Career Area:Procurement
Job Description:About the RoleCaterpillar is seeking a
Category Buyer to provide strategic procurement and supply network solutions that deliver maximum value through the Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) framework.
In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the sourcing, procurement, supplier management, and lifecycle support of manufacturing equipment and related services utilized across Caterpillar's production facilities. You will partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Facilities, and suppliers to drive sourcing strategies, evaluate supplier performance, and support business objectives related to quality, cost, delivery, and operational excellence.
This position offers the opportunity to influence Caterpillar's manufacturing operations by developing supplier partnerships and sourcing strategies that directly impact production performance and long-term business success.
What You Will Do- Develop and execute category strategies supporting Caterpillar's manufacturing equipment portfolio.
- Lead supplier selection, sourcing activities, negotiations, and contract development efforts.
- Evaluate supplier performance utilizing QCLDM principles to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, supplier optimization, inventory improvements, and supply chain efficiencies.
- Conduct market analysis and supplier assessments to support sourcing and category management decisions.
- Act as the primary liaison between Caterpillar and suppliers to communicate business needs while balancing production requirements and supplier capabilities.
- Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure sourcing strategies align with business objectives.
- Develop and manage supplier agreements, procurement programs, source catalogs, and category-related documentation.
- Monitor supplier performance, delivery metrics, quality performance, and responsiveness to support operational success.
- Assess business proposals, supplier risks, and sourcing opportunities to support informed decision-making.
- Support lifecycle management activities for manufacturing equipment utilized across Caterpillar's production facilities.
What You Have (Required Skills)- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of data analytics techniques and processes used for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data to support business decisions.
- Strong negotiation skills with the ability to successfully negotiate with suppliers and internal stakeholders in a collaborative manner.
- Knowledge of contract management and contract administration processes.
- Experience supporting purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supplier management activities.
- Strong supplier relationship management capabilities and the ability to maintain productive supplier partnerships.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
What Will Put You Ahead- Experience supporting manufacturing equipment, capital equipment, automation, robotics, tooling, facilities equipment, or industrial equipment procurement.
- Strategic sourcing or category management experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading supplier negotiations and developing complex commercial agreements.
- Knowledge and application of Caterpillar's Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) methodology.
- Experience analyzing supplier performance metrics and using data to drive sourcing decisions.
- Strong project management skills with experience leading multiple sourcing initiatives simultaneously.
- Experience partnering with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Supply Chain organizations.
- Ability to identify and execute cost savings opportunities while maintaining supplier performance and business continuity.
Additional Information- Primary Location: Peoria, IL
- Alternate Location: Lafayette, IN
- Travel: Up to 20%
- Work Arrangement: This position requires working onsite five days per week.
- Relocation: Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
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 3, 2026 - August 17, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
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