Procurement Specialist

Caterpillar; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterpillar Solar Turbines in San Diego seeks a Procurement Specialist to manage day-to-day supplier relationships, purchase orders, and contract negotiations for solar-related equipment. This role emphasizes strategic supplier management and timely issue resolution within a fast-paced, safety-conscious environment.

You will lead cross-functional sourcing, support NPI and global supplier selection, and drive cost reduction while ensuring on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5–7 years of experience.
• Commercial experience, supplier management and contract negotiation.
• Experience with ERP software and MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio).
• Fluent in Business English, written and oral form.

Responsibilities

• Purchase orders, supplier performance, and contract administration.
• Lead negotiations and define buyer-supplier relationships.
• Support NPI, global sourcing, and supplier development.

Skills

Supplier management

Contract negotiation

MS Office Suite

Business English

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

ERP software

Job description

## Procurement SpecialistApply: USA-CA-Balboa–Solar: Full time: Posted Yesterday: R0000403149**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.**Position Objective**This 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 Scope**This 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 Skills* Well-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 Qualifications*** The position requires a Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of experience* Commercial experience, supplier management and contract negotiation* Experience with ERP software and proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio)* Fluent in Business English in written and oral form**Preferred Qualifications*** Master’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 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.### Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.**Posting Dates:**November 2, 2026 - November 16, 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.### About Us*Powering the future through innovative, sustainable energy solutions.*Solar Turbines Incorporated, headquartered in San Diego, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. Solar manufactures the world’s most widely used family of mid-sized industrial gas turbines, ranging from 1 to 39 megawatts. More than 16,000 Solar units are operating in more than 100 countries with more than 3 billion operating hours. Solar is a leading provider of energy solutions, featuring an extensive line of gas turbine-powered compressor sets, mechanical drive packages, and generator sets.Solar’s customers put the company’s products to work in many areas, including production, processing and pipeline transmission of natural gas and crude oil, and generation of electricity and thermal energy for processing applications, such as manufacturing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food products.Solar’s foundation is people and Solar’s culture is one where individual contributions are valued, diversity in the workplace is encouraged, and safety is emphasized in all aspects of the business. Solar Turbines is comprised of a dedicated and multi-talented workforce of more than 9,000 employees with decades of experience working as a global team.