Senior 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. At Caterpillar Resource Industries (RI), we build the world's most productive mining and heavy construction equipment, helping customers around the globe move the materials that power economic growth and modern infrastructure. Our portfolio includes large mining trucks, wheel loaders, hydraulic shovels, underground mining machines, and other industry-leading equipment that operate in some of the harshest environments on earth.

The reliability and performance of these machines depend on a highly integrated global supply network and strategically sourced components that support critical systems across multiple product platforms. As Caterpillar continues to innovate and expand its global footprint, strong supplier partnerships and resilient sourcing strategies remain essential to delivering world-class products to our customers. As a Senior Buyer, you will be the global category leader for powder metal components and related manufacturing processes, a commodity group that supports numerous Caterpillar product families and business units across Resource Industries and beyond.

This highly visible role is critical to ensuring the supply, quality, cost competitiveness, and long‑term sustainability of components used throughout multiple machine platforms and product development programs. You will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier selection, contract negotiations, risk mitigation efforts, and supplier performance improvements while partnering closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Product Groups worldwide. Your influence will extend across new product introductions, product transfers, supplier transitions, and business continuity initiatives, making you a key contributor to Caterpillar's operational success.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a critical global commodity strategy, strengthen Caterpillar's supply resilience, and deliver meaningful business impact through collaboration, leadership, and strategic decision‑making.

Location:

Morton, IL. Domestic relocation assistance is not available. Up to 50% travel may be required (domestic and international). Sponsorship is not available for this position. Applications accepted through September 10, 2026.

• Develop and execute global and regional sourcing strategies for powder metal components and related manufacturing processes, including compaction, press and sinter operations, sizing, heat treatment, machining, grinding, finishing, coatings, and value-added assembly operations.
• Lead supplier selection, RFQ activities, sourcing decisions, contract negotiations, and commercial execution for powder metal commodities supporting Caterpillar's Resource Industries product portfolio.
• Deliver year-over-year improvements in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) performance while meeting annual cost reduction and value improvement objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance through structured business reviews, supplier development initiatives, capacity planning, and long-term business continuity strategies.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through dual sourcing, localization strategies, supplier development programs, recovery planning, and resiliency initiatives.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, Product Groups, and Supply Chain teams to support new product introductions (NPI), product transfers, supplier transitions, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations involving pricing, tooling investments, capacity expansion, recovery plans, and…