Category Buyer

Career Area: Procurement Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. As a Category Buyer, you will help shape category strategies, improve supplier performance, and drive measurable outcomes across cost, quality, risk, and supply continuity. All while working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. This role is ideal for a procurement professional who enjoys negotiation, stakeholder relationship management, and competitive pricing challenges. You will actively manage spend, apply forecasting insights, and partner with suppliers and internal stakeholders to influence outcomes and drive value. With new challenges every day, this role offers variety, visibility, and the opportunity to see the direct impact of your decisions. What you will do: Develop, manage, and execute category strategies, including policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs. Identify opportunities for cost reductions, inventory optimization, and quality improvements, while supporting sound business proposals and risk assessment. Serve as a key liaison between Caterpillar and suppliers—communicating clearly while balancing production needs and supplier constraints. Track, document, and improve supplier performance (including responsiveness and delivery) and build strong supplier relationships. Use data and insights to evaluate trends, analyze business outcomes, and present recommendations to stakeholders and leaders. Ensure purchasing work aligns to procurement processes, compliance expectations, and contract specifications. What skills you will have: Data Analytics: Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data to support decision-making and performance improvement. Effective Communication: Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally, deliver presentations, and adapt messaging to the audience. Interpersonal Relationships: Ability to collaborate cross-functionally, understand different perspectives, and build productive working relationships. Purchasing Tasks & Activities: Ability to use procurement tools and follow purchasing processes while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and contract requirements. Top candidates will have: Experience with Strategic Sourcing: Familiarity with strategic sourcing concepts, steps, and benefits. Supplier Relationship Management: Understanding supplier relationship processes and the value of supplier engagement. Contracts Management & Administration: Awareness of core contract administration concepts, activities, and reports. Negotiation: Understanding foundational negotiation concepts, rapport-building, and trust-building techniques. Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or a related field (or equivalent experience) Experience supporting steel, fabricated, cast, forged, machined, or other industrial manufacturing commodities. Additional information: Work Location: This role is based in Peoria, IL and requires on-site work five days a week. Relocation Assistance: Domestic relocation assistance is available. Work Authorization: Sponsorship is not available for this position. Travel Requirements: This position may require 5-10% travel. Summary Pay Range: $112,710.00 - $169,060.00 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 This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants. Posting Dates: August 5, 2026 - August 18, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .