Category Buyer at Caterpillar Inc.

Akashi-shi, Hyogo, Japan

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Procurement, ManufacturingIndustries

Requirements

Purchasing, logistics, manufacturing, and/or engineering expertise
University/college degree or equivalent experience and qualifications
4+ years of experience or equivalent skills with progressively increasing levels of responsibility
Well-developed interpersonal skills for dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus
Capable of leading teams, suppliers, and customers to effective solutions
Analytical, problem-solving, and project leadership skills
Effective communicator in written and oral form; native Japanese and fluent in English (preferred other languages)
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Caterpillar and suppliers
Strong negotiator, able to interpret, analyze, and negotiate contractual cost elements
Understanding of QCLDM (Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, Management)
Willingness to travel up to 25%

Responsibilities

Develop, communicate, and implement site, regional, and occasional worldwide sourcing strategies
Manage policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special purchasing programs
Support specific Product line(s) NPI (New Product Introduction) programs
Act as liaison with corresponding Category/Platform based Buyers
Handle OIA (likely Operational Inventory Analysis) through negotiation with suppliers
Manage should cost and sourcing strategy for NPI/Current Production
Perform daily workload including RFQ (Request for Quotation) and system input to deliver stable PQVC (likely Price, Quality, Volume, Cost) results
Deploy Lean and BIQ (likely Built-in Quality) initiatives
Manage AoS (likely Analysis of Spend) including capacity planning
Resolve supplier issues
Improve service parts performance
Provide leadership for sourcing, logistics, and resource management decisions
Lead continuous improvement initiatives and purchasing NPI activities
Recognize potential for cost and inventory reductions, quality improvements, and assess business proposal risks
Mentor and develop other Buyers, SDEs (Supplier Development Engineers), and Purchasing Analysts
Promote professionalism and business ethics
Use tools and techniques of negotiation, data analysis, and problem solving
Manage suppliers delivering to multiple Caterpillar facilities and internal customers worldwide
Collaborate with Supplier Development Engineers for continuous QCLDM improvement with key suppliers
Build and foster mutually beneficial supplier relationships at all organizational levels

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Sourcing StrategyNegotiationSupplier ManagementCost ManagementLogisticsNPIRFQLeanContinuous ImprovementCapacity Planning

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the travel requirement for this Category Buyer role?

The position requires travel up to 25%.

What skills and qualifications are required for the Category Buyer position?

Required skills include purchasing, logistics, manufacturing, and/or engineering expertise, along with a university/college degree or equivalent experience and qualifications. At least 4 years of relevant experience is implied.

What does Caterpillar's company culture emphasize?

Caterpillar emphasizes a global team that cares about each other, innovation, progress, and building stronger, more sustainable communities together.

What leadership responsibilities does the Category Buyer role involve?

The role provides leadership for sourcing, logistics, and resource management decisions, leads continuous improvement initiatives, mentors other Buyers, SDEs, and Purchasing Analysts, and promotes professionalism and business ethics.

What experience makes a strong candidate for this Category Buyer role?

Strong candidates will have purchasing, logistics, manufacturing, or engineering expertise, a university degree or equivalent, at least 4 years of experience, and skills in negotiation, data analysis, problem-solving, and supplier relationship management.

Caterpillar Inc.

Manufactures heavy machinery for various industries

About Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Inc. designs and manufactures heavy machinery and equipment for industries such as construction, mining, energy, and rail. Their products include a wide range of machinery and engines that help clients complete large-scale projects. Caterpillar's equipment works by providing powerful tools that can perform tasks like digging, lifting, and transporting materials. What sets Caterpillar apart from its competitors is its strong aftermarket support, which includes maintenance and repair services, ensuring that their machinery remains efficient and reliable over time. The company's goal is to deliver high-quality products while also focusing on sustainability and community development through initiatives that improve education and reduce poverty.

Irving, TexasHeadquarters

1925Year Founded

$143.5KTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Industrial & Manufacturing, Social Impact, AI & Machine LearningIndustries

10,001+Employees

Benefits

Annual incentive bonus plan

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)

401k savings plan

Health savings account (HSA)

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Healthy Lifestyle Programs

Employee Assistance Programs

Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development

Risks

Closure of Aurora office may impact regional economy and Caterpillar's reputation.

Partnership with Anti Social Social Club could dilute Caterpillar's industrial brand focus.

Advanced technology in Cat D8 dozer may face resistance from traditional customers.

Differentiation

Caterpillar's century-long history underscores its reliability and industry leadership.

The company integrates AI and IoT to enhance machinery performance and customer satisfaction.

Caterpillar's strong aftermarket services ensure product longevity and operational efficiency.

Upsides

Growing demand for autonomous equipment boosts Caterpillar's innovation in heavy machinery.

Expansion of 5G networks enhances Caterpillar's remote operation capabilities, improving safety.

Caterpillar's commitment to sustainability aligns with the global shift towards eco-friendly practices.

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