Category Buyer

Caterpillar · 's-Hertogenbosch · $10,000/month (stated in the posting)

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Career Area:

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.

Objective of the Role

Responsible for delivering supply network solutions by applying the principles of Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to maximize value. The role contributes to achieving the organization's procurement objectives through the realization of strategic and tactical purchasing processes for project-based and non-project-based goods and services under the best possible commercial conditions.

The responsibilities are not limited to the Den Bosch facility. Deliveries from Work Tools suppliers to the Service Parts Distribution Centre in Grimbergen, Belgium, are also within the scope of this position.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Development

• Develop, manage, and execute global product group and category strategies related to procurement policies, supplier agreements, sourcing programs, and supplier management.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, inventory optimization, and quality improvement.
• Monitor and analyze national and international market developments, innovations, availability, and price trends of existing, new, and alternative products and services.
• Anticipate future market and product developments and their potential impact on the business.
• Evaluate and independently visit national and international current and potential suppliers to assess financial stability, market position, competitive position, cost structure, capacity utilization, manufacturing conditions, product quality, certifications, delivery lead times, and delivery reliability.
• Conduct benchmarking activities and identify financial and supply-related risks.

Procurement and Supplier Management

• Act as the primary point of contact between Caterpillar and international suppliers for global and regional initiatives.
• Manage and develop supplier relationships in the areas of: Supplier Relationship Management Supplier Performance Management Cost Management Risk Management Product Group Management
• Serve as Lead Buyer for international suppliers delivering multiple products to various Caterpillar facilities.
• Develop and execute procurement action plans per product group based on sourcing strategies.
• Negotiate the most favorable commercial terms and conditions for the organization.
• Monitor and document supplier performance regarding delivery reliability, responsiveness, quality, and production performance.

Organization and Continuous Improvement

• Organize and coordinate activities related to: Strategic supplier selection Supplier network management Delivery reliability Supplier risk management (capacity, financial, and logistics risks) Contract management Cost and expense management Supplier onboarding and offboarding Delivery optimization Resource management decisions
• Lead cost-reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and present cost-saving proposals.
• Promote professional excellence, compliance, and business ethics throughout the supply network.

Authorities

The position holder is authorized to:

• Analyze strategic options and determine appropriate actions.
• Make decisions and independently execute approved actions.
• Approve expenditures up to USD 10,000 per supplier annually.
• Submit expenditures exceeding USD 10,000 for managerial approval.

Responsibilities

The position holder is accountable for:

• Maintaining and developing the Caterpillar Work Tools supplier base.
• Managing a total purchasing spend of up to USD 50 million.
• Identifying opportunities for cost savings, inventory optimization, and quality improvements.
• Ensuring the quality and soundness of business proposals and recommendations.
• Managing supplier and business risks.
• Guiding, coaching, and developing locally appointed Supply Network Specialists.

Communication

The role requires extensive communication with:

Internal Stakeholders

• Internal customers to maintain effective relationships, coordination, and collaboration.
• Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and Procurement teams to ensure alignment and optimize Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) objectives.

External Stakeholders

• National and international suppliers at various organizational levels.
• Suppliers regarding commercial negotiations, contracts, supplier development, and performance improvement initiatives.

Required Knowledge and Experience

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree level (HBO) working and thinking capability.
• Relevant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or supplier management.

Functional Knowledge

• Manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Supply Chain Management principles.
• Product Group and Sourcing Strategies.
• Company product portfolio and market understanding.
• Procurement terms and conditions.
• Administrative and logistics processes.
• Quality assurance methodologies and cost analysis.
• Six Sigma tools and techniques.
• Automated business systems and ERP applications.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

Competencies

Data Analytics (Extensive Experience)

• Advise stakeholders on the relationship between financial, operational, and performance data.
• Identify risks, opportunities, and trends through data analytics and predictive modeling.
• Evaluate data quality and analytical methodologies.
• Interpret and communicate insights that support strategic decision-making.
• Lead the implementation of data collection processes and mentor others on data analysis practices.

Effective Communication

• Deliver clear presentations and professional reports.
• Provide and receive constructive feedback effectively.
• Communicate complex information in an understandable manner.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to verbal and non-verbal cues.

Interpersonal Relationships

• Build productive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrate understanding of differing perspectives.
• Adapt communication and interaction styles to suit varying situations and audiences.
• Collaborate effectively across departments and organizational levels.

Negotiation

• Pursue mutually beneficial ("win-win") outcomes.
• Focus on issues and interests rather than personalities.
• Use active listening and probing techniques to identify underlying concerns.
• Present positions clearly while remaining open to alternative viewpoints.

Contract Management and Administration

• Manage contracts in accordance with organizational standards and procedures.
• Ensure contractual compliance and adherence to applicable regulations.
• Maintain accurate contract documentation and records.

Purchasing Processes and Activities

• Execute procurement activities in accordance with established policies and regulations.
• Utilize available procurement systems and tools effectively.
• Ensure compliance with purchasing regulations and contractual obligations.
• Maintain accurate records of purchasing activities and transactions.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strategic supplier partnerships.
• Monitor supplier performance and satisfaction levels.
• Resolve critical supplier issues and manage escalations.
• Support long-term supplier engagement and continuous improvement.

Strategic Sourcing

• Conduct market intelligence, spend analysis, and supplier assessments.
• Identify opportunities to improve sourcing processes and procurement effectiveness.
• Execute sourcing initiatives in accordance with corporate standards and best practices.
• Support sourcing projects across multiple business environments and regions.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended as a general guideline of the knowledge, skills, competencies, and responsibilities required for the position. It is not intended to determine salary grades for positions covered by the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) in the Netherlands. The task-based job description serves as the basis for job evaluation and salary grading of CLA-covered positions within the Netherlands.

Base Minimum Pay:

Please note that salary is only one component of the total compensation and benefit package available at Caterpillar.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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