Category Buyer

Career Area:

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.

Job Description:

• Provides supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value.
• Coordinates with suppliers and internal teams to guarantee efficiency, savings, and operational support, contributing to process optimization and continuous improvement.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to achieve competitive pricing, favorable terms, and long-term partnerships.
• Analyze market trends and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (operations, finance, engineering) to understand requirements and deliver value.

Skills:

Data Analytics: Knowledge of techniques and processes for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data; ability to discover useful information, draw logical conclusions, and support decision-making.
Level Working Knowledge:

• Collects required data through various data sources and documents them for evaluating trends and activities.

• Assists in preparing charts, graphs, tables, and other tools to represent the results obtained from data analysis.

• Researches business-related data, analyzes, interprets, and presents findings to management.

• Recognizes and assesses problems, opportunities, and methods for improving existing business performance.

• Utilizes designated data analysis software to analyze the data.

Effective Communications: Understanding of 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.
Level Working Knowledge:

• Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient.

• Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness.

• Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.

• Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate.

• Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.

Interpersonal Relationships: Knowledge of the techniques and the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
Level Working Knowledge:

• Explains impact of interactions with individuals and groups.

• Identifies roles and responsibilities for self and others.

• Demonstrates an understanding of alternative points of view.

• Collaborates with departmental associates and management.

• Adapts interaction style to situations and people.

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 Basic Understanding:

• Describes qualities of effective and ineffective negotiations.

• Explains the basic concepts of negotiating.

• Accesses organizational policies and practices for negotiating.

• Utilizes techniques for establishing rapport and building trust.
Supplier Relationship Management: Knowledge of supplier relationship management concept and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationship with suppliers.
Level Basic Understanding:

• Describes the general processes and procedures involved in supplier relationship management.

• Explains the benefits of establishing and maintaining supplier relationships.

• Identifies the main objectives and functions of supplier relationship management.

• Locates where and how to obtain or maintain information on suppliers.
 

Top Candidates will also have:

• BS degree in International Business, Business administration, Industrial Engineer or Accounting.
• Intermediate English level, written and oral communication
• More than 4 years of experience
• Knowledge of shop operations and maintenance procedures.
• Good human relations skills are required to develop a cooperative working relationship with others inside and outside of Caterpillar.
• Knowledge of shop operations and maintenance procedures.
• Solid ability to use and demonstrate statistical and problem-solving tools.

Desirable Requirements:

• Professional certification in Purchasing and/or Inventory Management.
• Certified Purchasing Manager.
• Certified in Production and Inventory management.
• Certified in Integration Resource Management.
• International certification.
• Green belt certification.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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