Caterpillar, Inc

Supply Chain Planning Analyst (Early Talent) 2 Openings

Caterpillar, Inc$81K — $122K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field within last 2 years or graduating by May 2027
  • Basic understanding of decision-making processes
  • Knowledge of Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP) principles
  • Working knowledge of problem-solving techniques
  • Basic understanding of process improvement methodologies
  • Strong analytical skills and communication abilities
  • Familiarity with inventory management and logistics.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with teams to align supply chain activities with business goals
  • Support the execution of strategies that enhance operational performance
  • Lead initiatives for inventory and warehouse optimization
  • Recommend improvements for supply chain processes
  • Support projects to rationalize lead times
  • Design and implement pull replenishment strategies
  • Analyze inventory trends to optimize warehouse space.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off (vacation, holidays, volunteer days)
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Health Lifestyle Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus
  • Disability benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Supply Chain and Logistics

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Supply Chain Analyst is an entry-level role responsible for supporting supply chain, sourcing, cost, price analyses, contract/purchase order generation, along with supporting facility performance targets related to inventory optimization, inventory turns, warehouse capacity utilization, and order-to-delivery performance. This position develops foundational supply chain, inventory management, and data analysis skills while partnering with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements. Analysts support inventory reduction initiatives, replenishment strategies, material flow optimization, and lead time alignment efforts that drive operational efficiency.

The role provides exposure to surplus and obsolete inventory management, inventory disposition strategies, and material replenishment collaboration processes. This position serves as a development pipeline for future MRC Coordinator and RSSM Coordinator roles, with opportunities to progress into these positions within 1-3 years.

What you will do
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of supply chain activities with business objectives and customer requirements.
  • Support the development and execution of supply chain strategies that improve operational performance, service levels, and overall business outcomes.
  • Lead inventory and warehouse optimization initiatives in support of strategic business objectives, identifying opportunities to improve capacity, inventory health, and facility performance.
  • Identifying and recommending improvement solutions for the supply-chain process.
  • Supports lead time rationalization projects focused on alignment of system parameters to supplier lead time and demand requirements.
  • Lead teams tasked with designing and implementing pull replenishment strategies in support of Lean initiatives.
  • Analyze inventory trends and collaborate with Logistics Planning Analysts (LPAs) and suppliers to reduce excess material, improve inventory health, and support warehouse space optimization.
  • Support inventory optimization efforts through the identification and disposition of excess and obsolete material while collaborating with stakeholders to prevent future inventory accumulation.


Degree Requirement
  • Must have graduated from an accredited university with a 4 year degree or higher within the last TWO years or with a Future graduation date by May 2027.


What you will have
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Level Basic Understanding:
  • Explains characteristics and steps in an effective decision-making process.
  • Identifies issues and communicates with others when a decision needs to be made.
  • Names decision makers in own environment and cites examples of past decisions.
  • Describes types of decisions incumbent may and may not make in own job or function.


Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP): Knowledge of the processes, practices and systems used in manufacturing requirements planning (MRP); ability to optimize planning for manufacturing cycles and ensure capacity and materials availability.
Level Basic Understanding:
  • Describes basic concepts of materials and capacity management processes and procedures.
  • Describes product life cycle and associated MRP cycle.
  • Identifies parameters and considerations used in making decisions about production runs.
  • Describes the use of bills of materials and other documentation needed to provide supplies.


Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Level Working Knowledge:
  • Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives
  • Examine a specific problem and understands the perspective of each involved stakeholder.
  • Develop alternative techniques for assessing accuracy and relevance of information.
  • Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decision on resolution.
  • Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems.


Process Improvement: Understanding and insight into evaluating current product quality and production methods and ability to maintains focus on the continuous improvement of processes, products and services.
Level Basic Understanding:
  • Identifies the main processes for which the group is responsible
  • Demonstrates the ability to improve on ways of doing things.
  • Applies the concept of continuous improvement to identify opportunities for greater efficiency.
  • Seeking help to implement ideas for process improvement for the group.


Top Candidates will have
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • A background in Supply Chain, Manufacturing / Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Inventory Management, Material Requirements Planning, Demand Management and/or Logistics is highly desired.
  • Bachelor's degree related to Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related degree with a graduation date of May 2027 or graduated in last two years.


Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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 available for eligible applicants.

Posting Dates:
August 20, 2026 - October 29, 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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Caterpillar, Inc

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Supply Chain Planning Analyst (Early Talent) 2 Openings jobs: