Category Buyer

Caterpillar · Industrial · Acuna, Coahuila

This role is for a Category Buyer at Caterpillar, responsible for developing and executing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and identifying cost reduction and quality improvement opportunities. The role requires expertise in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) and involves negotiating with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

What you'd actually do

  1. Developing, managing and executing the category strategy managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.
  2. Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.
  3. Acting as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering production demands and suppliers' conditions.
  4. Documenting the suppliers' performance on time sensitiveness and production; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers.

Skills

Required

  • Negotiating with suppliers and internal stakeholders on pricing, delivery lead times, quality, and business improvement initiatives.
  • Minimum of 3 years involved in direct and/or indirect purchasing activities.
  • Applies strategic sourcing methodologies across purchasing processes.
  • Understands the benefits of establishing and maintaining effective supplier relationships.

Nice to have

  • Ability to negotiate with suppliers and internal stakeholders on pricing, delivery lead times, quality, and business improvement initiatives.
  • Demonstrates understanding and application of fundamental negotiation concepts.
  • Utilizes organizational policies and practices applicable to negotiation processes.
  • Applies techniques to establish rapport and build trust with stakeholders.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of key concepts and steps within the strategic sourcing process.
  • Identifies major initiatives, key challenges, and benefits associated with strategic sourcing.
  • Identifies the main objectives and core functions of supplier relationship management.
  • Locates, maintains, and updates relevant supplier information.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office at an intermediate to advanced level.
  • Use of artificial intelligence tools to support business processes