Senior Category Buyer - Indirect 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.

Caterpillar’s Global Finance Services Division (GFSD) is seeking a Senior Category Buyer to support the Pontiac, IL facility. In this role, you will serve as a strategic procurement partner to Manufacturing, Facilities, Engineering, and Product Group stakeholders, helping to ensure the right suppliers, contracts, and procurement strategies are in place to support site operations.

You will collaborate closely with business partners, suppliers, and Indirect Procurement Category Teams to drive supplier performance, cost savings, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position is ideal for a procurement professional who enjoys building relationships, influencing business decisions, and supporting a dynamic manufacturing environment.

What You Will Do

• Serve as the primary procurement partner for the Pontiac facility, supporting Manufacturing, Facilities, Engineering, and Product Group operations.
• Support sourcing activities, supplier selection, contract negotiations, and procurement execution across multiple indirect spend categories.
• Manage supplier relationships and help ensure supplier performance aligns with business and operational objectives.
• Support categories such as:
  • Perishable tooling
  • Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO)
  • Manufacturing equipment
  • Facility maintenance services
  • Janitorial and grounds services
  • Site operational support services
• Collaborate with Category Managers and business stakeholders to align suppliers with project requirements and operational needs.
• Lead supplier issue resolution, pricing discussions, and contract administration activities.
• Drive Joint Process Improvement (JPI) initiatives with suppliers and business partners to achieve cost savings and process improvements.
• Utilize spend data and supplier performance metrics to identify opportunities for cost reduction, cost avoidance, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with Caterpillar Purchasing Practices, Enterprise Procedures, and procurement governance requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to business partners navigating procurement processes and tools.

What You Have

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Knowledge of procurement processes, supplier management, sourcing, and contract administration.
• Experience supporting supplier negotiations and managing commercial relationships.
• Ability to balance business needs, supplier capabilities, cost, and risk.

Business Partnership & Communication

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across multiple functions.
• Experience working collaboratively with suppliers, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to influence decisions and drive outcomes without direct authority.

Data Analytics & Problem Solving

• Experience using data and analytics to support procurement decisions and identify improvement opportunities.
• Ability to analyze supplier performance, spend data, and business requirements to develop recommendations.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Progressive experience in procurement, category management, sourcing, supplier management, or related business disciplines.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience supporting procurement activities within a manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environment.
• Experience managing indirect procurement categories such as MRO, tooling, facilities, services, or manufacturing equipment.
• Demonstrated success driving supplier performance and delivering cost savings.
• Strong contract negotiation and supplier relationship management experience.
• Experience supporting large manufacturing sites and partnering with plant leadership.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or supplier development methodologies.

Additional Information

• Location: Pontiac, IL
• Travel: Less than 10%
• Relocation: Relocation will be provided
• Work Arrangement: 5 days per week onsite

 

 

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.

 

 

Relocation is available for this position.

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

 

Posting Dates:

September 14, 2026 - September 24, 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.

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