Category Buyer II

Caterpillar Caterpillar · Industrial · Torreon, Coahuila

The Category Buyer II role at Caterpillar is responsible for developing and executing category strategies within the supply network, focusing on Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver value. This involves managing policies, agreements, and procurement programs, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and inventory improvement, assessing business risks, and acting as a liaison between the organization and suppliers. The role requires strong skills in data analytics, communication, negotiation, contract management, purchasing, supplier relationship management, and strategic sourcing.

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

  • Data Analytics
  • Effective Communications
  • Interpersonal Relationships
  • Negotiating
  • Contracts Management and Administration
  • Purchasing Tasks and Activities
  • Supplier Relationship Management
  • Strategic Sourcing
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Industrial, Commercial, Mechanical, or a related field)
  • Experience in Purchasing / Procurement (2 years of experience)
  • Knowledge of Supply Chain or Supplier Management
  • English Intermediate

Nice to have

  • Experience with procurement processes (POs, contracts)
  • Experience in supplier management
  • Basic negotiation skills
  • Proficiency in Excel and data analysis (at least intermediate level)
  • Knowledge of SAP (Advanced)
  • Reading Cat Specs and Drawings.