Caterpillar Inc.
Category Buyer – Heat Transfer Components
Join Caterpillar Inc. – a global leader in construction and mining equipment, the role of Category Buyer focuses on Large Engine Gen Set cooling modules. This position is based in West Lafayette, IN with options for Lafayette, IN, Mossville, IL, or Dallas, TX.
Career Area Procurement
Job Summary As a Category Buyer, you will focus primarily on Large Engine Gen Set cooling modules, driving cost control, capacity planning, and assurance of supply through the entire cooling module supply chain.
What You Will Do
Provide supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value. Frequent collaboration with internal product group customers and suppliers will be necessary to build strong relationships and develop global supply strategies.
Develop and manage category strategies in close collaboration with design control owners.
Recognize the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions, and quality improvement, while ensuring sound business proposals and risk assessment.
Document suppliers' performance measured by on-time shipping performance, cost control, capacity planning, and overall product development support.
Support global operations in North America, South America, Europe, India, and China, collaborating with Engineering and Procurement peers across regions.
What You Have
Data Analytics:
Knowledge of techniques for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data; ability to discover useful information, draw logical conclusions, and support decision-making.
Level: Extensive Experience
Advises stakeholders on financial, performance, and operational data.
Anticipates operational challenges of data collection and integration with decision-making.
Identifies correlations revealing trends and determining conditions.
Evaluates the quality of data collected and the effectiveness of analysis methods.
Interprets potential risks, threats, and opportunities involved with predictive modeling.
Directs implementation of business data collection processes and educates junior employees on new data sources.
Negotiating:
Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts; ability to negotiate across the organization and with external vendors in a constructive, collaborative manner.
Level: Working Knowledge
Achieves win‑win outcomes rather than win‑lose.
Focuses on issues rather than personalities.
Uses active listening and probing techniques.
Demonstrates willingness to examine own position.
Presents own position and listens attentively to others.
Contracts Management and Administration:
Policies, standards, and processes for contract management.
Level: Working Knowledge
Administers locally relevant contracts.
Implements organizational protocols.
Explains contract requirements before signing.
Reviews contracts for compliance.
Assists in creating vendor information files.
Supplier Relationship Management:
Strategies to maintain engaged, partnering relationships with suppliers.
Level: Working Knowledge
Adheres to organizational policies.
Communicates with suppliers on contract preparation and negotiation.
Documents and analyzes challenges.
Monitors satisfaction levels.
Leverages external suppliers to resolve major issues.
Strategic Sourcing:
Methods, technologies, and processes for continuous improvement of procurement.
Level: Working Knowledge
Analyzes data, market research, and budgets.
Enhances sourcing process, identifying improvement opportunities.
Conducts strategic sourcing in limited environments.
Follows relevant standards and practices.
Assists senior sourcing professionals.
Additional Information
Position can be located in Lafayette, IN; Mossville, IL; or Dallas, TX and requires a 5‑day‑a‑week onsite schedule.
Relocation assistance is not available.
Travel: Up to 50%, primarily domestic.
About Caterpillar Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off‑highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel‑electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, Caterpillar has helped customers build a better, more sustainable world.
Compensation $95,640.00 – $143,520.00
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
Applicable to part‑time employees
Posting Dates October 28, 2025 – November 10, 2025
EEO Statement Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Career Area Procurement
Job Summary As a Category Buyer, you will focus primarily on Large Engine Gen Set cooling modules, driving cost control, capacity planning, and assurance of supply through the entire cooling module supply chain.
What You Will Do
Provide supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value. Frequent collaboration with internal product group customers and suppliers will be necessary to build strong relationships and develop global supply strategies.
Develop and manage category strategies in close collaboration with design control owners.
Recognize the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions, and quality improvement, while ensuring sound business proposals and risk assessment.
Document suppliers' performance measured by on-time shipping performance, cost control, capacity planning, and overall product development support.
Support global operations in North America, South America, Europe, India, and China, collaborating with Engineering and Procurement peers across regions.
What You Have
Data Analytics:
Knowledge of techniques for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data; ability to discover useful information, draw logical conclusions, and support decision-making.
Level: Extensive Experience
Advises stakeholders on financial, performance, and operational data.
Anticipates operational challenges of data collection and integration with decision-making.
Identifies correlations revealing trends and determining conditions.
Evaluates the quality of data collected and the effectiveness of analysis methods.
Interprets potential risks, threats, and opportunities involved with predictive modeling.
Directs implementation of business data collection processes and educates junior employees on new data sources.
Negotiating:
Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts; ability to negotiate across the organization and with external vendors in a constructive, collaborative manner.
Level: Working Knowledge
Achieves win‑win outcomes rather than win‑lose.
Focuses on issues rather than personalities.
Uses active listening and probing techniques.
Demonstrates willingness to examine own position.
Presents own position and listens attentively to others.
Contracts Management and Administration:
Policies, standards, and processes for contract management.
Level: Working Knowledge
Administers locally relevant contracts.
Implements organizational protocols.
Explains contract requirements before signing.
Reviews contracts for compliance.
Assists in creating vendor information files.
Supplier Relationship Management:
Strategies to maintain engaged, partnering relationships with suppliers.
Level: Working Knowledge
Adheres to organizational policies.
Communicates with suppliers on contract preparation and negotiation.
Documents and analyzes challenges.
Monitors satisfaction levels.
Leverages external suppliers to resolve major issues.
Strategic Sourcing:
Methods, technologies, and processes for continuous improvement of procurement.
Level: Working Knowledge
Analyzes data, market research, and budgets.
Enhances sourcing process, identifying improvement opportunities.
Conducts strategic sourcing in limited environments.
Follows relevant standards and practices.
Assists senior sourcing professionals.
Additional Information
Position can be located in Lafayette, IN; Mossville, IL; or Dallas, TX and requires a 5‑day‑a‑week onsite schedule.
Relocation assistance is not available.
Travel: Up to 50%, primarily domestic.
About Caterpillar Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off‑highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel‑electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, Caterpillar has helped customers build a better, more sustainable world.
Compensation $95,640.00 – $143,520.00
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
Applicable to part‑time employees
Posting Dates October 28, 2025 – November 10, 2025
EEO Statement Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr