Category Buyer

Caterpillar Caterpillar · Industrial · Tianjin, Tianjin

This role is for a Category Buyer at Caterpillar, responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships and performance, negotiating contracts, and driving cost reduction programs for generator and attachment components. The role requires expertise in strategic sourcing, manufacturing processes, negotiation, and supply chain management, with a focus on ensuring a competitive and resilient supply base.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and maintain the supplier sourcing matrix for generator and attachment components.
  2. Define and execute regional/global sourcing strategies aligned with business and category needs.
  3. Identify and qualify new suppliers to ensure a competitive, resilient supply base.
  4. Serve as the primary commercial interface between Caterpillar and suppliers.
  5. Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and drive continuous improvement in QCLDM metrics.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 3–8+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, manufacturing, or engineering.
  • Proven experience in generator, power systems, or heavy equipment components sourcing preferred.
  • Experience in China supply base management and localization strategies is highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies preferred.
  • Strong understanding of generator components (e.g., alternators, engines, control systems, power electronics) and attachments (mechanical structures, hydraulic systems, fabricated parts).
  • Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, casting, electrical assembly, and system integration.
  • Experience in strategic sourcing, supplier selection, and cost modeling (should-cost).
  • Proven ability to lead complex supplier negotiations and achieve cost targets.
  • Strong understanding of contract terms, pricing structures, and cost drivers.
  • Deep understanding of QCLDM principles and performance management.
  • Experience in supplier development, quality improvement, and logistics optimization.
  • Strong analytical capability with proficiency in data-driven decision making.
  • Ability to evaluate supplier cost structures, risks, and performance trends.
  • Effective communicator in both written and verbal English (additional languages a plus).

Nice to have

  • Professional certifications (e.g., C.P.M., CPIM, or equivalent) are a plus.

What the JD emphasized

  • supplier sourcing matrix
  • regional/global sourcing strategies
  • new suppliers
  • Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
  • price negotiations
  • supplier agreements
  • cost reduction programs
  • Supplier Development Engineers (SDEs)
  • New Product Introduction (NPI)
  • supplier risk
  • business continuity
  • strategic sourcing
  • Six Sigma initiatives
  • generator components
  • manufacturing processes
  • strategic sourcing
  • supplier selection
  • cost modeling
  • complex supplier negotiations
  • contract terms
  • pricing structures
  • cost drivers
  • QCLDM principles
  • supplier development
  • quality improvement
  • logistics optimization
  • data-driven decision making
  • supplier cost structures
  • risks
  • performance trends
  • written and verbal English
  • Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
  • procurement, strategic sourcing, manufacturing, or engineering
  • generator, power systems, or heavy equipment components sourcing
  • China supply base management
  • localization strategies
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Six Sigma methodologies