Purchasing Specialist – Manufacturing Facility

Purchasing Specialist – Manufacturing Facility

Location:

Saint Francis, Wisconsin

Relocation:
Assistance is Available

Work Authorization Sponsorship:
Not Available

Travel:
Up to 10%

Job Summary

In this Purchasing Specialist role, you will play a critical part in supporting production by managing the procurement of high-value, low-volume components that serve as the backbone of our machines, including parts that can exceed $1M+ in value. This role drives material flow from source to dock through strong supplier coordination and data-driven decisions, with a focus on improving responsiveness, cost, quality, and continuity of supply.

It's an ideal role for a procurement professional who enjoys solving operational challenges, working cross-functionally, and partnering closely with suppliers while maintaining a high level of accuracy, accountability, and strategic oversight.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support a lean, responsive, and resilient flow of materials and services for the facility from source to dock and other required delivery points.
• Help identify opportunities for cost reduction, inventory optimization, and quality improvement while applying sound business judgment and risk awareness.
• Operate and monitor supply network procurement activities to help meet response time, cost, quality, and lean performance targets that support efficient facility operations.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and suppliers to resolve facility-specific supplier issues quickly and effectively.
• Use process management tools to map workflows, identify bottlenecks, and improve procurement-related business processes.
• Apply data-driven decision-making to organize relevant information, evaluate options, and support operational and supply decisions.
• Coordinate with logistics and planning teams to support delivery timing, material availability, and continuity of supply.

Required Skills:

Process Management:
Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.

Data-driven Decision Making:
Knowledge of the data-driven decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to gather and analyze data to make organizational decisions that align with strategic business objectives and goals.

Analytical Thinking:
Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.

Supplier Management - MFG:
Knowledge of processes and methods to effectively manage business relationships and transactions with suppliers of raw materials or product components; ability to apply related knowledge, experience and skills into real practice.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Industrial Tech, or related field preferred.
• Experience with ERP / MRP systems such as SAP or a similar enterprise procurement platform.
• Experience supporting procurement or supplier performance in a large manufacturing plant, heavy industrial environment, or complex facility operation.
• Experience managing large-scale purchasing orders in a low-volume, high-value environment where accuracy is critical.

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $

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