Job Description:
Major Role: - This role is responsible and accountable for the development, and/or communication and implementation of a site, regional, or worldwide sourcing strategy. Responsible for managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special purchasing programs, and supporting specific Product line(s) NPI programs. Accountable for the liaison with the corresponding Category/Platform based Buyers, product group APQP leaders, engineers, and suppliers.Leadership - Provide leadership for sourcing, logistics and resource management decisions. Lead continuous improvement initiatives and purchasing new product introduction activities within Purchasing. Demonstrate leadership in recognizing the potential for cost and inventory reductions, and quality improvement; as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment. Mentor and develop other Buyers, SQEs, and Purchasing Analysts (where assigned). Promote the highest level of professionalism and business ethics.Strategy- Tools and Techniques of 6 Sigma will be required and may be attained by Black Belt, Green Belt, Project Sponsor, or other 6 Sigma related training programs. The incumbent will lead 6 Sigma Strategic Sourcing teams to fully understand the current performance of the supply base, evaluate strategic options, decide a course of action, and begin implementation. The incumbent must also have strong knowledge of the product, NPI, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Category Strategies.Customers - The role will encompass managing suppliers delivering into many Caterpillar facilities. Typical internal customers include contacts at all organization levels, worldwide. The incumbent solves problems by determining the best course of action, within departmental guidelines, from many existing solutions. The role will identify and satisfy Critical Customer Requirements (CCR), managing Product expectations for Global Purchasing to deliver benefits required to sustain a competitive advantage.Supplier Development: - Collaborate with Supplier Development Engineers, to ensure continuous improvement in QCLDM with key suppliers. Build and foster mutually beneficial supplier relationships at all organizational levels.

Requirements:
Experience is preferred in purchasing, logistics, manufacturing, and/or engineering. The position requires an undergraduate degree from a college or university – or equivalent experience.A minimum of four years of progressively responsible job-related experience.Professional certification in Purchasing and/or Inventory Management preferred, e.g.; Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified in Integration Resource Management (CIRM), or comparable international certification. Well-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions. This individual normally possesses category team or product team experience.Functional leadership. Is experienced in leading teams, suppliers and customers to effective solutions.Analytical, problem solving, and project leadership skill.Effective communicator, in written and oral form. Fluent in the English language and preferred other languages. Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Caterpillar and our suppliers.Extremely Strong Negotiator, able to interpret, analyze and negotiate contractual cost elements.Understanding of QCLDM.desired_skills_qualifications: Fact-based Supplier Negotiation: Prepares, coordinates and conducts negotiations with suppliers on a fact-based manner. Negotiates agreements to achieve results which support sourcing strategies and Caterpillars business objectives.TCO Awareness & Analysis: Understands the concept of TCO and applies it systematically in sourcing decision processes. Total Cost of Ownership is a financial estimate designed to help Purchasers assess direct and indirect costs related to the purchase of any supplier products.