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Career Area:

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.

At Caterpillar, we work to help our customers build a better world. Without our team of talented, bright and driven individuals, we wouldn’t be the Caterpillar we are today. Now, this is your chance to join our team and do work that matters. We want you to help us enable customer success, make progress possible around the world and help our communities grow and thrive. We are looking for a dynamic, organized self-starter to join our Product Support and Logistics Division as a **Category Buyer (Ocean Container)** **in Morton, IL.**

Our **Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD)** is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. PSLD is responsible for the worldwide distribution of Cat aftermarket parts, integrated logistics, and global service to develop and support our global dealer network and customers.

We’re **committed** to our customers, who build a better world with our products, services and solutions. We understand and show the value of why they should always choose us. We’re exploring new ideas and opportunities – **innovating** to discover the breakthroughs necessary for tomorrow’s growth.

Job Summary** **:

+ This **Category Buyer** will be responsible for the procurement of ocean transportation – Ocean Container (FCL) category. This is a global role that works with operations team to define business requirements and drive global and regional carrier strategy that supports overall organizational objectives. Key work activities include managing a network of global transportation providers, strategically sourcing to meet operational objectives, long term capacity, bidding process, contracts administration and driving carrier performance

**Additional Info** :

+ This role is located in Morton, IL and does not offer relocation

+ This role is 1st shift

+ This role is 100% on-site with no opportunity for hybrid or remote schedules

+ This role requires up to 25% travel, primarily within North America but potentially international

What You Will Do:

+ Procure Ocean Container (FCL) freight services that meet Caterpillar’s complex global operational and procurement standard requirements, with key focus around strategic sourcing to ensure capacity, service and market price objectives are met

+ Lead global contract negotiations with transportation providers to achieve service and price that meet operational objectives and in accordance with Cat’s long-term carrier strategy

+ Work with operations to define business requirements (statements of work), capacity planning, incorporate requirements into bid tool and executes competitive bid / RFP

+ Establish service provider selection criteria and evaluate those service provider’s capabilities against these criteria

+ Work with Caterpillar’s legal services to ensure that all carrier contracts provide the Caterpillar Enterprise with appropriate legal protections

+ Act as commercial escalation for unresolved carrier issues

+ Drives carrier performance, as defined by operations, to ensure carriers are accountable for meeting service commitments

+ Track market rates using analytical tools and communicate those market trends through summary reports to appropriate management and key business units on a regular basis

+ Ensure carrier cost drivers are understood and communicated as needed

+ Work with service providers to establish quarterly / half-yearly / annual business reviews and ensure those business reviews are held with appropriate business units

+ Drive visibility of transportation rates / services through new or existing technology platforms / rate cloud

What You Have (Required Skills):

+ Experience in logistics, transportation and supply chain

+ Experience in procurement of transportation services including development and execution of complex tenders (bids) and associated tools and technology platforms development and execution of contracts as shipper or service provider

+ Proficient with transportation pricing and standards, transportation bid process (online and traditional RFP)

+ Develop and educate on relevant regulatory and security policies

+ Comprehensive knowledge of transportation carrier compliance, safety and regulatory terminology

+ **Data Analytics** : MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Salesforce, or TMS systems

+ **Effective Communications** : Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

+ **Contracts Management and Administration** : Knowledge of policies, standards and processes of how to manage and administer contracts; ability to use proper processes and practices for managing and administering a variety of contractual agreements.

+ **Supplier Relationship Management:** Knowledge of supplier relationship management concept and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationship with suppliers.

What Will Put You Ahead (Preferred Skills):

+ **Negotiating:** Contract negotiation skills.

+ **Purchasing Tasks and Activities:** Knowledge of policies, regulations and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment and services

+ **Strategic Sourcing** : Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyze, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.

+ Experience in process improvement and project management

+ Industry relevant certifications (i.e. LEAN, Six Sigma, APICS, PMP)

What You Will Get** **:

+ Through it all, we are one team (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYIDne7Q5ek&list=PLwAXbfivFg0jmiNqqgFLeQJpRB\_i-UVln&index=39) – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition.

+ Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvCYWtWARlk&list=PLwAXbfivFg0jmiNqqgFLeQJpRB\_i-UVln&index=25) .

Summary Pay Range:

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

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*

+ 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. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

October 31, 2025 - November 14, 2025

Any 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 (http://flows.beamery.com/caterpillarinc/talcom) .