Entry Level Buyer

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.

Job Purpose : This position is responsible for day-to-day and strategic supplier management including, but not limited to : purchase order placement, follow-up, and issue resolution; communication of demand and forecasts; preparing contracts and assist in negotiating contract terms; managing supplier relationships and performance metrics; communicating and mitigating risk that could impact Solar's ability to meet the business plan.

Dimensions : Spend & Contractual Commitments : Typically between $5M-30M. People : This position supports multiple internal business groups, engages in cross functional interactions, and provides back-up coverage for other Buyers. Suppliers : Can be Sole, Single, Dual, Multiple source. Can provide direct and / or indirect goods & services and could involve Third Party Intermediaries (TPIs). Buyer-Supplier Relationships : Arms-Length, Preferred Suppliers, Partnerships, Strategic Alliances. Supplier Complexity & Risk : Works with suppliers that fall within the following Portfolio Analysis categories : Acquisition, Leverage, Critical, Strategic. Balance of Power : Works with suppliers across the spectrum (Buyer, Neutral, Seller).

Nature and Scope : A Buyer acts with a sense of urgency and is diligent in providing timely support to internal clients and external customers. This individual operates in compliance with corporate and Supply Chain policies and procedures. A Buyer may manage relationships of several non-strategic suppliers as well as a select few strategic or complex suppliers. This position may be located centrally or in regional offices. This individual has no direct reports, but works within a team structure typically including a Sourcing Specialist, Supply Chain Coordinator / Planner, Supplier Technical Engineer, Supplier Development Engineer, and reports directly to a Site Sourcing Manager or Supply Chain Manager. There is an expectation to participate on projects from conception to completion that directly support organizational objectives.

The primary functions of the job include but are not limited to :

• Supply Chain Management : Applies advanced Supply Chain concepts and performs complex analyses to develop procurement strategies ensuring supplier capacity that supports Purchase Order (PO) commitments.
• Contract Management : Identifies and utilizes appropriate standard Solar contracts, supports with required minor contract changes while protecting clients by engaging specialist advise.
• Negotiation : Able to collect and synthesize a complete data package as well as assist in developing the strategy in preparation of negotiation.
• Supplier Selection & Management : Supporting role of supplier selection process and integral part of managing the relationships of existing suppliers.
• Cost Management : Applies business strategies to daily activities, understands key factors influencing make-buy decisions.
• Purchasing Execution : Efficiently executes PO's through the order life cycle including the resolution of medium complexity purchasing related grief issues with minimal assistance.

The work environment is mostly office based, however this position may visit internal production areas as well as external supplier sites, which may involve domestic and / or international travel. Internal clients include, but not limited to, the following : Global Supply Chain, Finance, Global Enabling Systems, Logistics, Legal, Customer Services (Field Services, Overhaul & Repair, Service Parts), Manufacturing, Business Management, New Product Introduction & Design Engineering, Project Application Engineering, Test Engineering, Project Engineering, and external Suppliers.

The primary challenges of this position include :

The decisions that are made by the Buyer will be based on : Supply Chain Management, Site Sourcing Manager and / or Sourcing Specialist direction, Our Values in Action, Worldwide Procedures, Solar Policies, Quality Management System, other process documentation, import / export compliance guidelines as well as adherence to State, Federal, and international regulations. Failure to achieve results can normally be overcome without serious effect on Supply Chain performance. This position could use all or any of the following tools : ERP software, Windchill, Cognos (or other analytical tool), MS Office Suite, Lotus Notes or Outlook, Sourcing Tools, Virtual Conferencing (WebEx / Skype), industry research tools and codes, cost analysis and make / buy decision tools, supplier financial health reporting (D&B, 10-k, 10-Q, etc), travel expense reporting tools.

Principal Accountabilities :

Interpersonal and Analytical Skills : Well-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues and reaching consensus on specific actions. Capability to influence or persuade suppliers and internal clients to effective solutions. Ability to collaborate in order to build constructive and inclusive business relationships. Demonstrates responsiveness and acts with a sense of urgency. Ability to provide and accept constructive criticism. Effective communicator in written and oral form. Dedicated to meeting and exceeding the expectations of external customers and internal clients. Ability to cope with change effectively and adjust to accommodate the unknown or unproven. Capable of setting priorities in order to support business requirements; can sense what will help or hinder achieving a goal, sets reasonable priorities and can plan what needs to be done in order of importance. Holds self and others accountable to commitments in support of business objectives. Uses rigorous logic and methods for analyzing and solving problems. Can unearth root cause to assess risk to the business and works with team members to develop business continuation plans.

Required Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Pay Range : $76,542.00 - $114,814.00 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