Want to know if this job is worth applying to?
San Diego, California, United States
Onsite
Not Available
Career Area:
ProcurementJob 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.
Nature and Scope:
This position 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 Procurement Specialist may manage relationships of some non-strategic suppliers, but will predominately oversee strategic or complex suppliers. This individual has no direct reports, but work 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 not only participate on but lead projects from conception to maturity that directly support organizational objectives.
Principal Accountabilities:
Continuously practices and demonstrates Safety and acting in adherence to Our Values in Action.
Effectively evaluates, improves, and sustains supplier performance, including but not limited to: Quality, Cost, Delivery, Lead-time, Bid & Proposal Turn-times, Project & Field Support, etc.
Drives cost management through identifying and implementing opportunities for cost reduction, utilizes cost modeling techniques, and analyzing TCO to ensure the best overall value to Solar.
Manages and maintains the Supplier relationship at a day-to-day and strategic level. Day-to-day activities include purchase order issuance and maintenance, grief resolution, and business review meetings. Strategic activities include working with the Supply Chain Leadership and/or Sourcing Specialist to define the buyer-supplier relationship that determines as well as executes the strategic direction (Hold, Grow, Consolidate, Exit).
Develops a network that allows the Senior Buyer to leverage internal and external relationships to continuously improve responsiveness & service levels.
Leads commercial negotiations and is accountable for contract execution and maintenance (NDA’s, GP’s, PSAs, JDAs, etc).
Initiates and promotes cross functional teaming in Supplier development, problem resolution, and continuous improvement efforts.
Supports NPI, global strategic sourcing, and Supplier selection to ensure flexible capacity and consistent supply from qualified suppliers to support business objectives.
Interpersonal and Analytical Skills
Well-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues and reaching consensus on specific actions.
Capability to influence and 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 lead teams, coach, mentor, as well as 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, eliminates roadblocks, and creates focus.
Holds self and others accountable to commitments in support of business objectives.
Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems.
Can unearth root cause to assess risk to the business and develop business continuation plans.
Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of experience.
Experience with ERP software and proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Visio)
Fluent in Business English in written and oral form.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain or other related field.
Supply Chain Certification from a professional institution (ie. APICS, IIPMR, ISCEA, ISM, etc)
Understanding and demonstration of 6-Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles.
6-Sigma Blackbelt Certification
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.
Summary Pay Range:
$112,704.00 - $169,056.00Compensation 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*
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
* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
October 2, 2026 - October 16, 2026Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.