Procurement Specialist

Caterpillar Brazil; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Newport Beach, CA seeks a Procurement Specialist to manage day-to-day and strategic supplier activities, including PO issuance, follow-up, negotiations, and contract execution to ensure value and risk mitigation.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree with 5–7 years of supplier management experience, ERP/MS Office proficiency, and business English fluency. It is an on-site, full-time position with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of experience in commercial supplier management and contract negotiation.
• Experience with ERP software and MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio).
• Fluent in Business English (written and spoken).
• Understanding of cost reduction, supplier performance metrics, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial negotiations and contract execution (NDA, GPAs, PSAs).
• Issue and maintain purchase orders; manage supplier relationships daily and in business reviews.
• Drive cost management and analyze total cost of ownership for best value.
• Support supplier development, cross-functional problem solving, and process improvements.

Skills

ERP software

MS Office Suite

Business English

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

APICS/ISM certification

Tools

Visio

ERP software

Job description

Career Area:ProcurementJob 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.Position ObjectiveThis position is responsible for day-to-day and strategic supplier management including, but not limited to: purchase order placement, follow-up, issue resolution; communication of demand and forecasts; preparing contracts ; acting as the lead negotiator providing solutions to a wide range of issues; developing commercial strategies for product and/or service contracts; managing supplier relationships and performance metrics; communicating and mitigating risk that could impact Solar’s ability to meet the business plan.Nature and ScopeThis position acts with a sense of urgency and is diligent in providing timely support to internal and external customers. This individual operates in compliance with corporate and Supply Chain policies and procedures. A Procurement Specialist may manage relationships of some non-strategic suppliers but will predominately oversee strategic or complex suppliers. This individual has no direct reports but work within a team structure typically including a Sourcing Specialist, Supply Chain Coordinator/Planner, Supplier Technical Engineer, Supplier Development Engineer, and reports directly to a Site Sourcing Manager or Supply Chain Manager. There is an expectation to not only participate on but lead projects from conception to maturity that directly support organizational objectives.Principal Accountabilities:Continuously practices and demonstrates Safety and acting in adherence to Our Values in Action.Effectively evaluates, improves, and sustains supplier performance, including but not limited to: Quality, Cost, Delivery, Lead-time, Bid & Proposal Turn-times, Project & Field Support, etc.Drives cost management through identifying and implementing opportunities for cost reduction, utilizes cost modeling techniques, and analyzing TCO to ensure the best overall value to Solar.Manages and maintains the Supplier relationship at a day-to-day and strategic level. Day-to-day activities include purchase order issuance and maintenance, grief resolution, and business review meetings. Strategic activities include working with the Supply Chain Leadership and/or Sourcing Specialist to define the buyer-supplier relationship that determines as well as executes the strategic direction (Hold, Grow, Consolidate, Exit).Develops a network that allows the Senior Buyer to leverage internal and external relationships to continuously improve responsiveness & service levels.Leads commercial negotiations and is accountable for contract execution and maintenance (NDA’s, GP’s, PSAs, JDAs, etc).Initiates and promotes cross functional teaming in Supplier development, problem resolution, and continuous improvement efforts.Supports NPI, global strategic sourcing, and Supplier selection to ensure flexible capacity and consistent supply from qualified suppliers to support business objectives.Interpersonal and Analytical SkillsWell-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues and reaching consensus on specific actions.Capability to influence and persuade Suppliers and internal clients to effective solutions.Required QualificationsThe position requires a Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of experienceCommercial experience, supplier management and contract negotiationExperience with ERP software and proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio)Fluent in Business English in written and oral formPreferred QualificationsMaster’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain or other related field.Supply Chain Certification from a professional institution (APICS, IIPMR, ISCEA, ISM, etc)Understanding and demonstration of 6-Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles.6-Sigma Blackbelt CertificationThis role requires working in the office 5 days per week.Summary Pay Range:$112,704.00 - $169,056.00Compensation 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 benefitsLife InsuranceParental leaveAdoption benefitsTuition Reimbursement* These benefits also apply to part-time employeesThis position requires working onsite five days a week.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.Posting Dates:August 24, 2026 - September 7, 2026Any 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.Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .