Category Buyer

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. About Power & Energy Procurement Caterpillar’s Power & Energy Procurement organization plays a critical role in supporting all divisions within Power & Energy. Our work is geared towards our pistons of Predictable Supply Excellence, Optimized Total Cost of Ownership, Supplier Relationship Management and Lifecycle Sourcing Strategy. We continue to develop suppliers who competitively deliver operational excellence, enabling our customers to build a better world. With a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency, Power & Energy Procurement leverages advanced tools and processes to connect the physical and digital supply chain, enabling business units to deliver high-performance solutions that meet evolving customers and business needs.

Definition We are seeking a Category Buyer. This person will provide supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value.

Developing, managing and executing the category strategy 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. Degree Requirement Degree or equivalent experience desired   What You Will Have: Negotiating : 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. Level Working Knowledge: Works to achieve win-win in negotiations, rather than taking a win-lose approach. Focuses on issues rather than personalities. Uses active listening and probing techniques to surface problems, issues, and interests. Demonstrates a willingness to examine own position. Presents own position and listens attentively to position of others. Contracts Management and Administration: 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. Level Working Knowledge: Administers locally relevant contracts for the department. Implements organizational protocols and procedures for contracts management. Explains the types of information required before a contract is signed. Reviews contracts to ensure compliance with contract specifications and regulations. Assists in creating files of relevant information for specific vendors, customers, or contracts. Purchasing Tasks and Activities: Knowledge of policies, regulations and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment and services. Level Working Knowledge: Records documents of purchasing tasks and activities, such as orders, bidding. Uses available procurement systems and tools. Ensures compliance with procurement regulations and contract specifications. Works with basic purchasing related tasks and activities. Adheres to various requirements and steps of the