Category Buyer - Indirect Purchasing - #998229

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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.

Category Buyer - Indirect Purchasing

At Caterpillar, we’re committed to our customers, who build a better, more sustainable world with our products, services and solutions. We understand and show the value of why they should choose us. We’re exploring new ideas and opportunities – innovating to discover the breakthroughs necessary for tomorrow’s growth. Through it all, we are one team – creating and delivering world-class products, services and solutions superior to the competition. Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience.

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. We have an exciting opportunity for a Category Buyer - Indirect Purchasing to join our Large Power Systems team, supporting Caterpillar’s large engine production at the Kiel facility. In this role, you will leverage QCLDM (Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management) principles to deliver value across the supply network. You will develop and execute category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost, quality, and service improvements across indirect spending. Acting as a key interface between stakeholders and suppliers, you will ensure alignment with business needs, support sourcing decisions, and monitor supplier performance to build strong, long-term partnerships.

Monthly salary from €6,035+, depending on experience.

What You Will Do:

• Lead strategic and operational procurement of indirect goods and services (e.g., IT, engineering, facilities, HR)

• Drive end-to-end sourcing activities, including supplier evaluation and selection

• Negotiate with domestic and international suppliers to secure optimal terms

• Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement opportunities

• Build and manage strong supplier relationships and performance

• Partner with internal stakeholders to define requirements and support business needs

• Ensure compliance with policies and standards while supporting contracts, CAPEX activities, and sourcing strategy execution

What You Have:

• Several years of experience in procurement, ideally within indirect purchasing

• Fluency in English and German (C1 level)

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills to support decision-making

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective stakeholder collaboration

• Proven negotiation skills with experience working with internal and external partners

• Solid understanding of procurement processes, including strategic sourcing and contract management

• Experience in supplier relationship management and driving performance

• Creative, solution-oriented mindset

• Good knowledge of MS Office and SAP, with a willingness to learn new technologies

What Will Put You Ahead (Preferred Skills):

• Technical degree combined with extensive experience in the field

• Experience in an international, matrix organization

What You Will Get:

• Varied, responsible, and challenging tasks

• Excellent earning opportunities according to the Caterpillar compensation system

• 30 days of vacation

• Company pension plan

• Bicycle leasing / job ticket

Additional Information:

We are back! This role requires being in the office five days a week.

A valid work permit or EU-25/EFTA citizenship is required for this position

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For the past 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

We value authenticity and encourage candidates to submit original, personally crafted responses throughout our hiring process. Use of AI-generated content may disadvantage your application.

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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