Category Buyer

Caterpillar · Industrial · Santa Catarina, Nuevo León

This role is for a Category Buyer in the Earthmoving Supply Management team at Caterpillar, focusing on the North America Harness category. The buyer will be responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier agreements, cost reduction, inventory optimization, and building supplier relationships using the QCLDM framework. The role requires a bachelor's degree, extensive purchasing experience, and strong communication, interpersonal, and data analytics skills.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead with strategy: Take ownership of developing and executing category strategies, managing supplier agreements, sourcing catalogs, and special procurement programs that support long-term success.
  2. Drive value: Identify opportunities to reduce costs, optimize inventory, and improve quality—while ensuring business proposals are sound and risks are well-assessed.
  3. Negotiate with purpose: Plan and lead negotiations that balance business goals with supplier relationships, aiming for collaborative, win-win outcomes.
  4. Be the connector: Serve as the vital link between Caterpillar and our suppliers—ensuring clear, timely communication that aligns with production needs and supplier capabilities.
  5. Build strong partnerships: Monitor supplier performance and maintain strong, productive relationships that support on-time delivery and operational excellence.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Extensive experience in purchasing and commercial functions
  • Advanced English-speaking level
  • Effective Communication
  • Interpersonal Relationships
  • Purchasing Tasks & Activities
  • Data Analytics

Nice to have

  • Proven procurement expertise with a strong track record in sourcing, supplier management, and executing category strategies.
  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to assess risk, negotiate effectively, and deliver value across cost, quality, and delivery metrics.
  • Collaborative mindset with excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across cross-functional teams and supplier networks.

What the JD emphasized

  • extensive experience in purchasing and commercial functions
  • Advanced English-speaking level required
  • Solid understanding of procurement processes
  • Significant hands-on experience in procurement and commercial roles
  • Proven procurement expertise with a strong track record in sourcing, supplier management, and executing category strategies.
  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to assess risk, negotiate effectively, and deliver value across cost, quality, and delivery metrics.