Category Buyer III

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.

As a Category Buyer III , you will provide purchasing and supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value across the supply base. This role directly supports Resource Industries Supplier Management (RISM) Non-Current and Aftermarket growth opportunities , ensuring supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and supply continuity.

In this role, you will develop and execute category strategies, partner closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, and leverage data-driven insights to improve business outcomes. You will play a critical role in enabling aftermarket growth through disciplined sourcing, strong supplier relationships, and sound commercial decision-making.

What makes this role exciting:

This role offers variety, visibility, and impact. You'll work with a wide range of stakeholders across Caterpillar as well as a diverse global supplier base, giving you exposure to different perspectives, challenges, and ways of working. The position provides a broad view of Resource Industries products and aftermarket offerings, allowing you to understand how what we source directly supports customers in the field. You'll also join an experienced, tenured team with deep Caterpillar and industry knowledge, creating a collaborative environment where learning, mentorship, and support are part of everyday work.

What you will do:

• Develop, manage, and execute the Resource Industries Non-Current & Aftermarket category strategy, including policies, supplier agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.

• Identify and deliver opportunities for cost reduction, inventory optimization, and quality improvement, while ensuring the soundness of business proposals and effective risk assessment.

• Serve as the primary liaison between Caterpillar and the supply base, communicating requirements clearly while balancing production demands and supplier capabilities.

• Document and manage supplier performance related to time sensitivity, production support, and responsiveness; maintain strong, collaborative supplier relationships.

• Apply QCLDM principles to drive measurable improvements in supplier performance and total cost of ownership.

• Leverage data analytics and reporting to support category strategy decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support strategic sourcing activities and ensure compliance with procurement policies, contracts, and governance standards.

What skills you have:

Data Analytics

• Strong knowledge of data inspection, cleansing, transformation, and modeling to support decision-making.

• Advanced experience using Power BI to design, develop, and maintain dashboards and reports that deliver actionable business insights.

• Ability to advise stakeholders on the relationship between financial, operational, and performance data.

• Experience identifying trends, correlations, risks, and opportunities through analytics and predictive modeling.

• Ability to evaluate data quality and improve business data collection processes; mentor others on analytics tools and sources.

Effective Communications

• Ability to tailor written and verbal communication to different audiences.

• Demonstrated capability to communicate clearly upward, downward, and externally.

• Skill in influencing outcomes through empathy, assertiveness, and persuasive communication.

• Experience reviewing and coaching others on presentations and written materials.

Negotiating

• Proven success completing significant internal and external negotiations.

• Ability to identify leverage points, assess negotiation risks, and resolve stalemates.

• Demonstrated capability to protect Caterpillar's position while achieving win-win outcomes.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Expertise in building consensus, resolving conflict, and influencing outcomes across a diverse supplier network.

• Experience coaching others on supplier evaluation and management.

• Ability to assess the financial and operational impact of supplier relationship strategies and refine SRM processes.

Purchasing Tasks & Activities

• Knowledge of procurement processes, tools, and systems.

• Ability to execute and document purchasing activities in compliance with policies and procedures.

Interpersonal Relationships

• Strong collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.

• Ability to adapt communication and interaction style to different situations and stakeholders.

Top candidates will also have:

• A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Analytics, or a related field is helpful; however, equivalent professional experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain is equally valued.

• Proven ability to deliver purchasing and supply network solutions using QCLDM principles.

• Experience supporting aftermarket, service, or non-current part supply environments.

• Exposure to non-current parts, service parts, or lifecycle support categories.

• Familiarity with global or multi-tier supplier networks.

• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

• Strong comfort partnering with Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Operations teams.

Additional information:

• Location: The location for this position is Mossville, IL and requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week.

• Relocation: Domestic relocation assistance is not available for this position.

• Travel: This position may require up to 20% travel.

• Sponsorship: Sponsorship is not available.

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:

May 22, 2026 - June 7, 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.

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