Purchasing Category Manager

Progress Rail Services Corp.; La Grange (IL); On-site; USD 114,000 - 221,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

401(k) plan with up to 6% companymatch

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability

Education Assistance Program

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

PTO

Job summary

Progress Rail in LaGrange, IL is seeking a Purchasing Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives, align with global strategy, and drive cost savings through supplier negotiations and contract development.

You will mentor staff, collaborate with engineering and finance, manage supplier relationships, and implement domestic and international sourcing strategies while upholding integrity and diversity.

Qualifications

• At least ten (10) years engineering/purchasing/strategic sourcing experience.
• Ability to direct projects and establish clear goals and accountability.
• Knowledge of supplier/vendor agreements and contracts.
• Advanced MS Office skills, especially Excel.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Participation with professional associations in Purchasing/Material Management.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing goals and implement actions to achieve them.
• Interface with engineering and finance on strategic initiatives.
• Negotiate to achieve best cost, quality, delivery and commercial alignment.
• Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning.
• Develop and implement supplier contracts with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Anticipate shifts in supplier power and market trends.
• Maintain and develop supplier relationships; attend trade shows and meetings.
• Serve as change agent for business initiatives.
• Develop domestic and international sourcing strategies.
• Mentor and manage direct reports.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Project management

Cost savings

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Travel

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Office

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

11961BR

Job Purpose:

Strategic Sourcing Manager will assist the Director of Strategic Sourcing in setting global strategy for PRL. They will direct the activities in their category ensuring alignment with global strategy, manage suppliers and relations, create process improvements, identify cost saving opportunities, creatively negotiate, generate contracts, and ensure the strategic development and effective implementation of Global Supply Chain smart goals. They will develop and maintain an environment that promotes diversity, integrity, and productivity.

Req ID:

11961BR

Company Description:

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting‑edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Education / Training:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred or a bachelor’s degree in Business or Supply Chain Management with strong Engineering background.

Job Title:

Purchasing Category Manager

City:

La Grange

Key Job Elements:

• Take responsibility for the strategic sourcing management goals of the company and implement action items to ensure that those goals are achieved;
• Strong and regular interface with engineering and finance regarding strategic initiatives;
• Responsible for negotiations for best possible cost, quality, delivery, and commercial alignment by developing “win‑win” strategies that achieve sustainable relationships with suppliers;
• Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning using industry cost models;
• Implement supplier agreements / contracts when beneficial by working with cross‑functional stakeholders and suppliers to reach agreement on contract terms and conditions;
• Research and anticipate shifts in the negotiating power of suppliers;
• Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to proactively identify supply base issues to minimize risk, protect continuity of supply, and utilize emerging opportunities;
• Maintain and develop supplier relationships (trade shows, supplier meetings, conferences, etc.);
• Serve as a change agent for business initiatives;
• Develop and implement sourcing and supplier selection strategy domestically and internationally;
• Manage and mentor staff encouraging professional growth and development; Oversee staffing, recruiting, training, coaching of direct reports including performance reviews.

Qualifications and Experience:

Required

• At least ten (10) years engineering/purchasing/strategic sourcing experience with a track record for strategic project management and cost savings;
• Ability to direct for the management of projects and establish clear goals and accountabilities to ensure successful delivery (on time, within budget, meeting agreed upon success criteria);
• Knowledge of the legal terminology and language related to supplier and/or vendor agreements and contracts;
• Advanced systems skills and working knowledge of MS Office, with advance Excel knowledge;
• Must have excellent presentation and communication skills;
• Ability to travel as required;
• Must participate and/or collaborate with Professional Associations in Purchasing/Material Management.

Preferred

• Experience with managing a diverse supply base; rail industry is a plus

Essential and Physical Activities Functions

• Strength – Position typically involves office managerial work as well as oversight in an industrial environment. Frequently standing, sitting, and walking. Occasional light to medium‑level lifting (up to 30 pounds).
• Motion – Position regularly requires standard motions associated with an office environment as well as standard motions associated with leading and demonstrating in an industrial environment.
• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Constant verbal communications, including both talking and hearing.
• demonstrating in an industrial environment.
• Work Environment – Position will occasionally require the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Position may involve work in a non-temperature-controlled environment. Position is in an industrial engineering test facility.

EEO:

Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
• Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
• Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.

**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.

Job Category:

Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Purchasing

Work Location Options:

LaGrange, IL

State::

Illinois

Summary Pay Range:

$113,674.92 - $220,523.00