Purchasing Category Manager

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; LaGrange (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with up to 6% company match

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid Vacation

Education Assistance Program

Job summary

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company, seeks a Strategic Sourcing Manager in LaGrange, Georgia, to set global strategies and manage supplier relationships effectively. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and over ten years of strategic sourcing experience, focusing on project management and cost savings.

Responsibilities include negotiating contracts and analyzing industry trends to mitigate risks. Comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching, and education assistance are provided, along with a commitment to diversity and integrity in the workplace.

Qualifications

• At least ten (10) years of engineering/purchasing/strategic sourcing experience.
• Ability to direct management of projects and establish clear goals.
• Knowledge of legal terminology related to supplier agreements.

Responsibilities

• Direct activities ensuring alignment with global strategy.
• Negotiate for cost, quality, and delivery with suppliers.
• Analyze industry trends to identify supply base issues.

Skills

Strategic project management

Cost savings

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Advanced Excel

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job 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.

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.

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.

Education / Training

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

Qualifications & Experience

• 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 advanced 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

EEO Information

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