Category Buyer

Overview

Join to apply for the Category Buyer role at Caterpillar Inc.. 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.

• Serve as the primary contact between Caterpillar and the supply base and 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, and special procurement programs.
• Identify opportunities for cost reductions, inventory reductions, and quality improvements; assess soundness of business proposals and risk.

• 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 convey ideas, information, and needs clearly.
• Negotiating:
  Knowledge of negotiation concepts and techniques; ability to negotiate successfully across the organization and with external vendors and clients.
• Purchasing Tasks and
  
  Activities:
  
  Knowledge of purchasing policies, regulations, and processes; ability to procure materials, components, equipment and services.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  Knowledge of supplier relationship management and strategies; ability to address issues to meet supplier needs and maintain productive relationships.
• Strategic Sourcing:
  Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyze and continuously improve procurement processes.

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

• 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: up to 25% domestically.
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F).

$ - $

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
• Tution 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:
January 7, 2026 - January 19, 2026. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.