Category Buyer

**Career Area**:Purchasing & Procurement**:
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.

**Your Work Shapes the World**

At Caterpillar, we’re working to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world. We wouldn’t be the Caterpillar we are today without the exceptionally talented, bright, and driven people who get the job done. This is your chance to help us make progress possible around the world - for our customers, for growing communities and for every member of our team. We are looking for a dynamic, organized self-starter to join our Product Support and Logistics Division as Category Buyer - Cross Border US/MX Transportation.

The Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. We touch nearly every element of the services value stream from procurement to design and manufacturing to distribution. PSLD is responsible for Aftermarket Parts Distribution of CAT Parts, Integrated Logistics, segment Procurement and the design and manufacture of Wear Components (Undercarriage and GET) and Maintenance Components (Seals, Tubes & Hardware, Hose & Couplings, Fluids and Filters).

We’re committed to our customers, who build a better world with our products, services and solutions. We understand and show the value of why they should always choose us. We’re exploring new ideas and opportunities innovating to discover the breakthroughs necessary for tomorrow’s growth.

**The Opportunity**: Category buyer for North America Ground Transportation Procurement - Cross Border US/MX and Intra-MX

**Major Role**: This position will be responsible for the procurement of ground transportation within Mexico, and cross border transportation between the United States and Mexico (truckload, LTL, expedite). This is a North American role that works with operations teams to define business requirements and drive carrier strategy that supports overall organizational objectives. Key work activities include managing a network of ground transportation providers, strategic sourcing events, bidding processes, contract administration and driving carrier performance.

**Job Duties**:

- Procure ground freight transportation services that meet Caterpillar’s complex operational and procurement standard requirements. Key focus around strategic sourcing to ensure capacity, service and market price objectives are met.
- Lead contract negotiations with transportation providers to achieve service and price that meet operational objectives in accordance with Caterpillar’s long term carrier strategy.
- Work with operations to define business requirements, incorporate requirements into bid tool and execute bid/RFP.
- Establish service provider selection criteria and evaluate those service provider’s capabilities against those criteria.
- Work with Caterpillar’s legal services to ensure that all carrier contracts provide Caterpillar with appropriate legal protections.
- Act as commercial escalation for unresolved carrier issues.
- Recognizing the potential for cost decreases and quality improvement
- Track market rates using analytical tools and communicate those market trends through summary report to appropriate management and key business units on a regular basis.
- Ensure carrier cost drivers are understood and communicated as needed.
- Work with service providers to establish quarterly / half-yearly / annual business reviews with key stakeholders and ensure those business reviews are held with appropriate business units.

**Basic Requirements**:

- Bachelor’s degree or higher AND at least 2-years’ experience in purchasing, logistics, supply chain, or transportation operations OR at least 4-years of experience in purchasing, logistics, supply chain or transportation operations in lieu of degree.
- Bilingual; ability to communicate fluently in both English and Spanish
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
- Pricing-proficient with transportation pricing and standards.
- Contract and pricing related negotiation skills.
- Strategic relationship management
- Transportation bid processes (online, traditional)
- Proficient in MS Office; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Salesforce
- Travel approximately requires 25% or less travel.

**Background Preferred (but not required)**:

- Process improvement
- Project management
- Industry relevant certifications (i.e. LEAN, Six Sigma, APICS, PMP)

**Other Essential