Category Buyer

Job Purpose

Position develops, leads, maintains and seeks approval of sourcing strategies from functional management;
Continuously optimizes the Total Cost of Ownership;
Leads cost reduction program;
Actively participates to the pre-bid and bid processes, up to Aftermarket phase;
Selects, negotiates and establishes contracts with suppliers;
Monitor supplier’s performance;
Resolves chronic problems regarding quality and supply;
Leads make/buy process up to approval from Senior VP;
Works closely with all functions and supports resolution of operational issues when required.

11952

LaGrange, IL

United States

La Grange

Illinois

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.

• Negotiates price and terms with suppliers.
• Act with sense of urgency to cut purchase order on time.
• Initiates and implements cost reductions on supplier products.
• Develop new and maintains current qualified suppliers for assigned commodities.
• Procures quality material to support demand requirements.
• Establishes and maintains supply base with capacity/capability to support requirements.
• Troubleshoots to resolve issues relating to assigned vendors and their parts.
• Responds quickly to changing production and aftermarket customer needs.
• Coordinates execution of engineering changes affecting purchased material.
• Provides expedite assistance to assure maximum schedule performance.
• Works cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, Accounts Payable, Supply Chain, Transportation, Receiving, Production, Customer Service, Demand Planning, others.
• Coordinates with Supply Chain to control inventory by lead times, lot sizes, MOQs, etc.
• Monitors raw material/alloy trends, using this to manage part pricing to minimize cost.
• Negotiates settlement on material issues due to quality, scheduling, or other causes.
• Perform all duties in accordance with Our Values in Action, Caterpillar’s Code of Conduct.
• Adheres to company, purchasing, planning, and accounting policies and procedures.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree;
• Experience of ERP systems and MS office product;
• Excellent computer skills.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering focus;
• Prior Purchasing experience;
• SAP exposure.

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible job‑related experience.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated analytical ability and problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑starter with initiative; ability to function with minimal supervision.
• Interpersonal skills to work within team environment.
• Ability to read (or learn to read) blueprints and understand basic Engineering documents.
• Experience with demand forecasting and inventory management.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Attention to detail, ability to multi‑task and prioritize tasks with strict deadlines.
• Ability to apply logic and reasoning to identify solutions to problems.
• Demonstrated personal time management skills.

• Strength – Position involves work in a standard office environment. Frequent sitting. Occasional standing, walking. Rare lifting.
• Motion – Position requires standard repetitive motions and hand/eye coordination associated with research and central office communications.
• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Frequent communications,…