Category Buyer

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.

Caterpillar is seeking a highly skilled Category Buyer to join the Light Fabrications team in the Building Construction Products Division. In this role you will provide supply network solutions expertise using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, Management and Sustainability (QCLDMS) to deliver maximum value.

What You Will Do:

• Serve as the primary contact between Caterpillar and the supply base as well as lead commercial discussions and negotiations with suppliers 
• Drive performance excellence in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, Management and Sustainability (QCLDMS) through supplier partnerships 
• Develop, manage, and execute global category strategies, including policies and agreements, source catalogs, special procurement programs
• Recognize the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment

What You Will Have:

• Data Analytics: Knowledge of techniques and processes for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data; ability to discover useful information, draw logical conclusions, and support decision-making.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
• Negotiating: Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts and techniques; ability to negotiate successfully across the organization and with external vendors and clients in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Purchasing Tasks and Activities: Knowledge of policies, regulations and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment and services.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Knowledge of supplier relationship management concept and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationship with suppliers.
• Strategic Sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyze, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.

What Will Set You Apart:

• A Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Strong knowledge of product, NPI, Facility, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Category Strategies
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: purchasing, supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, and/or engineering
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Caterpillar and our suppliers  
• Understanding of Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, Management and Sustainability (QCLDMS)

Additional Details:

• Work location: Clayton, NC, Sanford, NC or Athens, GA
• Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available for this role
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
• Travel: upto 25% domestically.
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

Compensation 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. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

January 7, 2026 - January 19, 2026

Any 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.

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