Category Buyer II

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Bonus opportunity

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in East Peoria, Illinois, seeks a Category Buyer II to develop and execute sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost and quality improvements across categories.

The role emphasizes data analytics, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration. You will monitor supplier performance, support contract administration, and perform market research and spend analytics to deliver maximum value while ensuring policy compliance.

Qualifications

• Extensive data analysis to support sourcing decisions.
• Experience in supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing.
• Strong negotiation and contract administration skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration across functions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and execute category strategies and sourcing plans.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and supplier performance improvements.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure on-time delivery and quality.
• Lead contract administration activities and supplier negotiations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on procurement improvements.

Skills

Data analytics

Supplier management

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Procurement systems

Analytical tools

Job description

## Category Buyer IIApply: East Peoria, Illinois: Full time: Posted Today: R0000394971**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, you will provide supply network solutions expertise using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) principles to deliver maximum value to the business. In this role, you will develop and execute sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, drive cost and quality improvements, and support procurement initiatives that ensure a reliable and efficient supply network.**What You Will Do:*** Develop, manage, and execute category strategies, including sourcing policies, supplier agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.* Identify opportunities for cost reduction, inventory optimization, and quality improvements while assessing business risks and proposals.* Serve as a key liaison between the organization and suppliers, ensuring clear communication while balancing production requirements and supplier capabilities.* Monitor and document supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and production requirements.* Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support business objectives and operational continuity.* Analyze and interpret data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and support strategic sourcing decisions.* Participate in contract administration activities, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, regulations, and contractual requirements.* Support purchasing and strategic sourcing activities through market research, spend analysis, and supplier evaluations.* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement within sourcing and procurement processes.**What You Have :****Education/Experience:*** Degree or equivalent experience desired.**Data Analytics:*** Extensive experience analyzing, interpreting, and modeling data to support business decisions, identify trends, evaluate performance, and assess risks and opportunities.**Supplier Relationship Management & Strategic Sourcing:*** Working knowledge of supplier relationship management principles, strategic sourcing processes, procurement activities, and supplier performance management.**Negotiation & Contract Administration:*** Experience supporting contract management activities and participating in supplier negotiations while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.**Communication & Collaboration:*** Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across functions, build relationships, present information effectively, and adapt communication styles to diverse audiences. Ability to create a network within Indirect Procurement.**What Will Set You Apart :*** Experience developing and executing category management strategies.* Background in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, purchasing, or supplier management environments.* Experience using procurement and supply chain management systems and analytical tools.* Demonstrated success identifying cost savings, inventory reduction opportunities, and process improvements.* Experience managing supplier performance metrics and leading supplier development initiatives.* Knowledge of QCLDM principles and their application within a manufacturing or industrial environment.* Ability to leverage predictive analytics and data-driven insights to support sourcing and business decisions.* Experience using AI in your daily work tasks.### ### **Summary Pay Range:**$97,530.00 - $146,290.00Compensation 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.### Relocation is available for this position.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.**Posting Dates:**September 17, 2026 - September 30, 2026Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.