Category Buyer

JOB PURPOSE:
Provides supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value.
Category: Hydraulics Components
Spend: Generally up to $50 - 100 million
JOB DUTIES:
Major Roles:
- To serve as the primary contact between Caterpillar and the supply base for global/regional initiatives, including filling the functional seat for commercial discussions/negotiations with suppliers, being the recognized expert for his or her assigned portion of the global category, supports development and execution of global category strategies, and drives performance excellence in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM).
- To be a Supplier Lead for suppliers with multiple source buyers. This Supplier Lead role will help to manage the supplier relationship for that supplier’s location including but not limited to Supplier Relationship Mgmt., Supplier Performance Mgmt., Cost Mgmt., Risk Mgmt., and Category Network Mgmt.
- This role is responsible and accountable for the development, and/or communication and implementation of a regional, and worldwide sourcing strategy. Responsible for development, management and execution of the global category strategy managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs. Accountable for the liaison with the corresponding source buyers.
- Provide leadership for strategic sourcing -qualified supply network, business continuity, supplier risk management – capacity & financial, logistics, contract management, supplier commercial negotiations, cost/spend management - TCO analysis, supplier Ｏn boarding/off boarding, lead/response time optimization and resource management decisions.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives and purchasing new product introduction activities within Purchasing. Demonstrate leadership in recognizing the potential for cost and inventory reductions, and quality improvement; as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.
- Collaborate with Supplier Development Engineers, to ensure continuous improvement in QCLDM with key suppliers. Build and foster mutually beneficial supplier relationships at all organizational levels.
- Tools and Techniques of 6 Sigma will be preferred, such as Black Belt, Green Belt, or other 6 Sigma related training programs. Strong knowledge of the product, NPI, Facility, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Category Strategies are preferred.
Basic Qualifications
- A minimum of 2-3 years of progressively responsible job-related experience.
- Experience is preferred in purchasing, logistics, manufacturing, and/or engineering.
- The position requires an undergraduate degree from a college or university – or equivalent experience.
Top Candidates will also have
- Professional certification in Purchasing and/or Inventory Management preferred.
- Supply management background in Hydraulic/mechanical products is preferred
- Capable of leading teams, suppliers and customers to effective solutions.
- Effective communicator, in written and oral form. Fluent in the English language and preferred other languages.
Travel: 30-50% but may be limited by epidemic