Senior Buyer

Job Purpose

The Buyer position is responsible for creating and tracking purchase orders for indirect materials and services for multiple locations throughout Progress Rail. Additionally, the Buyer will negotiate best cost and cycle with suppliers and be the point of contact for issue resolution on purchases.

Company Description

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation-driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company's products are in operation across more than 100 countries-powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail-they are making history every day.

Key Job Elements

• Lead sourcing, bidding, supplier selection, and contract negotiations for indirect materials, services, MRO supplies, equipment, and other assigned categories.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality, service, and delivery requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate pricing agreements, terms, and conditions, including national and multi-site contracts.
• Analyze spend data, supplier performance metrics, and market trends to support strategic sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, finance, and other departments to understand business requirements and develop effective procurement strategies.
• Utilize ERP and procurement systems, including Coupa, LN, SAP, and other sourcing tools, to manage purchasing activities and reporting.
• Prepare and maintain procurement reports, spend analyses, savings reports, and supplier scorecards using advanced Excel and reporting tools.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, procedures, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and participate in Lean and process improvement projects.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while responding to changing business priorities and urgent operational needs.
• Assist with supplier issue resolution and support business continuity efforts when supply disruptions occur.

Education / Training

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain or related field of study;
• Comparable combination of education and years of experience will be considered.

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral;
• Ability to listen and communicate at all levels of the organization;
• Advanced Excel/Reporting skills, SAP, LN, BAAN experience a must;
• Negotiation skills with proof of savings in current position;
• Familiarity with Shop supplies and equipment;
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, including MS Word, PowerPoint;
• Analytical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, organization, and time management skills;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and be a flexible team player; ability to switch gears when something is needed immediately and return to follow up on other projects.

Preferred Skills:
• Lean Six Sigma trained/certified;
• Experience with Coupa software suite;
• Experience with Purchasing processes and policies;
• Experience negotiating national contracts.

Possible work locations:
Preferred - Muncie, IN or LaGrange, IL
Alternate - Albertville, AL or Winston-Salem, NC

Essential and Physical Activities Functions
• Strength - Position typically involves work in a standard office environment. Occasional standing and walking. Heavy lifting is rare but may be required.
• Motion - Position regularly requires standard repetitive motions and hand/eye coordination associated with office communications. May require bending, lifting, standing, climbing, kneeling, crouching, walking, etc. in cases where Safety investigations require them.
• Vision/Hearing Requirements - Constant verbal communications, including both talking and hearing.
• Work Environment - Position typically involves work in a standard office environment. Position may involve occasional work in a non-temperature-controlled facility. Travel may be required 5% of the time.
• Emotional Demands - Responsible for audits and reporting of protected and private information. Requires interpersonal skills and communication that may be of a sensitive nature.
• Safety - Position is Safety Sensitive and will require the use of Personal Protective Equipment when in industrial environments. Position will require occasional visits to industrial environment, including potential for noise (85+ decibels), exposure to cold and temperature changes, exposure to hazardous materials, heavy equipment, high levels of dust, and other hazardous working conditions. May be required to remain for long periods of time in hazardous work environments to investigate and mitigate accidents/incidents.

Benefits

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 Progress Rail.**

• Competitive Salary
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
• Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
• Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.


**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.