Category Buyer I

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’s Earthmoving Supply Management team is hiring for hydraulics Category Buyer in Peoria, IL!

Role Summary: In this role you will build relationships with local and global suppliers to execute category and supplier strategies that exceed the business needs in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) of purchase finished material. 

What You’ll Do (Job Duties)

• Developing, managing and executing category and supplier strategies.
• Build relationships with suppliers to drive process and cost improvements.
• Support your Caterpillar operational, design, and product customers in selecting the best source and maintaining performance excellence throughout product cycles.
• Acting as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering production demands and suppliers' conditions.
• Manage supplier performance utilizing procurement tools and data analysis to support Supplier Excellence Recognition certification and supplier operational success.
• Lead projects across Caterpillar disciplines and divisions and supplier teams to implement improvement opportunities, onboard new programs, and meet business needs.

What You Have (Core Skills)

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Experience in logistics, supply chain, or procurement
• Bachelor’s degree or 3 years equivalent experience with increasing responsiblity.
• Project management experience
• Contracts management and administration experience

Additional Details

• Work location: IL-Peoria-Building AB Office
• Domestic relocation assistance IS NOT available for this role
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
• Travel: 25% domestic and international travel
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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.

Posting Dates:

April 13, 2026 - April 24, 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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