Strategic Indirect Buyer – Multi-Site Sourcing

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Muncie (IN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

Job summary

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company, is seeking a Buyer to create and track POs for indirect materials and services across multiple locations. You will negotiate best cost, cycle times with suppliers, and serve as the point of contact for issue resolution on purchases.

The role requires strong negotiation skills, advanced Excel, and experience with SAP/LN/BAAN. Travel and multi-site coordination are expected as part of daily procurement activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain or related field.
• Comparable combination of education and years of experience will be considered.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Advanced Excel/Reporting skills, SAP, LN, BAAN experience a must.
• Negotiation skills with proof of savings in current position.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing, bidding, supplier selection, and contract negotiations for indirect materials, services, MRO supplies, equipment, and other assigned categories.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality, service, and delivery requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate pricing agreements, terms, and conditions, including national and multi-site contracts.
• Analyze spend data, supplier performance metrics, and market trends to support strategic sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, finance, and other departments to understand business requirements and develop effective procurement strategies.
• Utilize ERP and procurement systems, including Coupa, LN, SAP, and other sourcing tools, to manage purchasing activities and reporting.
• Prepare and maintain procurement reports, spend analyses, savings reports, and supplier scorecards using advanced Excel and reporting tools.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, procedures, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and participate in Lean and process improvement projects.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while responding to changing business priorities and urgent operational needs.
• Assist with supplier issue resolution and support business continuity efforts when supply disruptions occur.

Skills

Strong communication

Advanced Excel

MS Office proficient

Analytical problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Operations Management

Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

LN

BAAN

Coupa

Job description

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company, is seeking a Buyer to create and track POs for indirect materials and services across multiple locations. You will negotiate best cost, cycle times with suppliers, and serve as the point of contact for issue resolution on purchases.

The role requires strong negotiation skills, advanced Excel, and experience with SAP/LN/BAAN. Travel and multi-site coordination are expected as part of daily procurement activities.