Category Buyer

Caterpillar Inc.; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

HSA program

Paid time off

Career development

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Illinois is seeking a Category Buyer to shape procurement across Power & Energy. You will develop category strategies, manage supplier contracts, and drive cost, risk, and quality improvements to support global operations.

As part of Power & Energy Procurement, you will liaise with suppliers, manage purchasing tasks, and monitor supplier performance. This role emphasizes data-driven sourcing and collaboration to deliver high‑value outcomes for Caterpillar and its customers.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts and techniques; ability to negotiate across the organization and with external vendors and clients in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Knowledge of policies, standards and processes for contracts management and administration.
• Experience with procurement processes, purchasing tasks and procurement systems.

Responsibilities

• Developing, managing and executing the category strategy, policies, agreements and source catalogs.
• Identify cost reduction, inventory reduction and quality improvement opportunities and assess risks.
• Act as liaison between the organization and suppliers, communicating clearly amid production demands.
• Document supplier performance and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Skills

Negotiation

Contracts management

Purchasing

Supplier relationship

Strategic sourcing

Job description

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.

Career Area:

Procurement

Job Description:

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.

Role 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.

What You Will Do:

• 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 procurement process.

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 Working Knowledge

• Adheres to organizational policies and codes for supplier relationship management.
• Communicates with suppliers about contract preparation and negotiation.
• Documents and analyzes problems and challenges in supplier relationship establishment and management.
• Monitors satisfaction levels of the organization's important suppliers on a regular basis.
• Works with different external suppliers to address critical issues and resolves major problems for implementing supplier relationship management practices.

Strategic Sourcing

Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyze, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.

Level Working Knowledge

• Works with various basic components of strategic sourcing, such as data analysis, market research and purchasing budgets examination.
• Participates in enhancing institutional sourcing process continuously including identifying improvement opportunities.
• Conducts strategic sourcing activities in a limited environment.
• Follows relevant standards, policies and practices regarding strategic sourcing.
• Assists senior sourcing professionals with strategic sourcing in multiple environments.

Additional Information

• Relocation is not available
• Sponsorship is not available

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Summary Pay Range

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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

Posting Dates

August 19, 2026 - September 1, 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.