Purchasing Director

Job Purpose

Overall responsibility for procurement across Recycling direct material categories for Progress Rail. This includes identifying material requirements, securing reliable suppliers, negotiating agreements, measuring required quality metrics, and driving cost savings and process improvements to support operational efficiency.

11623

Albertville, Alabama

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.

• Responsible for setting and executing the purchasing strategy across the Recycling business.
• Negotiates price and terms with suppliers; negotiate purchase agreements.
• Develops and maintains reliable suppliers, including new suppliers.
• Responds to changing market price trends and availability of material services.
• Develops and maintains a CRM system to track and collect supplier data.
• Makes decisions and/or recommendations having substantial impact on Recycling operation.
• Negotiates settlement on rejected or defective material.
• Provides follow‑up assistance in assuring maximum schedule performance.
• Maintains regular contact with others outside the work group.
• Adheres to company, purchasing, and accounting policies and procedures.
• Completes special projects as needed.
• Admires full execution of agreements.
• Identifies and develops national industrial agreements.
• Drafts agreements with legal as required.
• Travels as required up to 60%.
• Works closely with Operations and supporting functions to identify and address productivity issues.
• Leads and manages projects, training and development for buyers.
• Collects and analyzes data to support business decisions and present results to Management and cascade to cross‑functional teams.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management Systems, Supply Chain Management or related field or equivalent experience.

• 5+ years of experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain or Materials Management.
• Knowledge of business and management principles related to resource allocation and strategic planning.
• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with vendors and all internal customers.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, present and influence credibly and effectively to all levels of the organization, including vendors and management.
• Microsoft Office – Advanced Level (strong MS Excel).
• Knowledge of Coupa preferred.

• Strength – Ability to travel without restrictions and minimal lifting requirement. Frequent sitting. Occasional standing, walking.
• Motion – Employee will be moving during travel and sitting when in the office.
• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Constant communications, including both talking and hearing.
• Work Environment – Employee will be traveling a minimum of 50% of the time, exposing them to different outdoor conditions (customer jobsites and/or offices). The balance of the time will be spent in an office setting.
• Emotional Demands – Ability to lead and communicate with customers and team members. Ability to work with a team to accomplish the mission.
• Safety – Position primarily limited to general office safety requirements. Requires regular travel and occasional presence at construction sites, which may require use of PPE.

• Competitive Salary.
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no…