Category Buyer - Manufacturing Equipment Category

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. Caterpillar is adding an additional Category Buyer role who will provide supply network solutions with expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value. The Category Buyer will act as the liaison between Caterpillar and the supplier to facilitate purchases and support lifecycle management of manufacturing equipment used in our Caterpillar production facilities. If this sounds like an opportunity for you, we encourage you to join Caterpillar’s growing, dynamic workforce! What you will do: Developing, managing, and executing the category strategy for managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs. Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and 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. What you will have: Data Analytics and Negotiating: Knowledge of techniques and processes for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data; ability to discover useful information, draw logical conclusions, and support decision-making. Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts and techniques; ability to negotiate successfully across the organization and with external vendors and clients in a constructive and collaborative manner. Contracts Management and Administration and Purchasing Tasks and Activities: Knowledge of policies, standards, and processes of how to manage and administer contracts; ability to use proper processes and practices for managing and administering a variety of contractual agreements. Knowledge of policies, regulations, and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment, and services. Supplier Relationship Management and Effective Communication: Knowledge of supplier relationship management concepts and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationships with suppliers. Understanding effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Education/Experience: 4- year degree, 3-5 years of experience Additional Details: Location: Peoria, IL Additional Location: Pontiac, IL Required Travel: 20% 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: June 9, 2026 - June 16, 2026 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. There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.