Category Procurement Manager

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.The Category Procurement Manager leads strategic procurement of Resource Industries (RI) Machine Bar, Rods, and Tubes categories, delivering year‑over‑year improvements in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM). In this role, you will be accountable for developing and executing a global sourcing strategy, building a resilient and high‑performing supply base, and managing a high performing North America procurement team.What makes this role exciting: This role offers a rare global perspective on steel component procurement and its direct impact on Caterpillar machines. You will gain visibility into where your components are assembled into Caterpillar machines which span a wide variety of applications. You will build strategic relationships with manufacturing suppliers.  This position provides hands‑on exposure to steel component cost drivers, global market dynamics, daily collaboration with your counterparts located in Europe, Mexico, India, and China which will support you to develop the ultimate Global Strategy.  In addition, you will lead a strong collaborative North America based team, work closely with internal customers and suppliers around the world. For a procurement leader who enjoys understanding the full commodity picture and turning complexity into clear, executable strategy, this role delivers meaningful challenge and impact.What you will do:Develop, communicate, and implement a Global Sourcing Strategy for RI Machine Bar, Rods, and Tubes categories aligned to Caterpillar enterprise objectives.Lead and manage a North America–based procurement team, providing coaching, direction, and performance leadership.Collaborate with other Global Strategy Owners and Regional Procurement Managers to ensure alignment across regions and categories.Identify supplier performance gaps and lead structured improvement plans across cost, quality, delivery, and capability.Partner with the Supply Network on risk mitigation, capacity planning, and predictive cost modeling (geographic and component‑based).Serve as a trusted advisor to internal Caterpillar stakeholders and external suppliers.Manage the quality of purchased goods and services, resolving complex supplier‑related issues and escalations.Lead complex commercial negotiations, balancing enterprise objectives with supplier sustainability.Prepare executive‑level reporting to demonstrate category performance, ROI, and business impact.What skills you have:Planning – Tactical & StrategicContribute to short‑term operational and tactical plans.Ultra focused on achieving long term objectives within your Global StrategyAnticipate plan changes, monitor execution, and course‑correct to meet objectivesEffective CommunicationCommunicate clearly upward, downward, and outwardAdapt messaging for technical, operational, and executive audiencesDemonstrate empathy, influence, and assertivenessNegotiatingLead significant internal and external negotiationsDrive win‑win outcomes while protecting enterprise interestsStrong collaborator with advanced purchasing expertiseCategory Management Design and execute end‑to‑end Global category strategiesDevelop supplier agreements and follow procurement policiesLead execution of all category management stages and train othersExperience across multiple component family types within a categorySupplier Management Build strategic supplier partnerships that share risk and rewardMonitor performance, resolve gaps, and manage supplier exits when requiredEstablish quality standards and supplier governanceStrategic SourcingLead complex sourcing initiatives including negotiations, contracting, and continuous improvementDevelop and deploy sourcing best practices across regionsAudit & ComplianceSupport Audit & Compliance (A&C) initiatives including SOX‑related controlsImprove compliance‑related business processes and cross‑functional alignmentBusiness Intelligence Transform data into actionable business insightsLeverage BI tools to evaluate category performance and sourcing outcomesDevelop reporting that informs leadership decision makingTop candidates will also have:Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations, Engineering, or equivalent experienceExperience supporting engineered materials or steel supply chains (bars, rods, tubes, or similar components), ideally with exposure to manufacturing or shop‑floor environmentsGlobal sourcing and negotiation experience across multi‑region manufacturing networks, with strong commercial and strategic sourcing capabilityProven ability to leverage predictive cost modeling, procurement analytics, and global market insights to inform category strategyDemonstrated people leadership within matrixed, global organizationsStrong executive presence — calm under pressure, highly collaborative, and solutions‑orientedStructured, analytical thinker who can break complex problems into clear, actionable steps and translate global commodity trends into regional and category executionGenuine passion for procurement, commodities, and business outcomes, paired with sound judgment and big‑picture thinkingAdditional Information:Location: The location for this position is Mossville, IL and requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week.Relocation: Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.Travel: This position will require 20-25% travel.Sponsorship: Sponsorship is not available.  Summary Pay Range:$147,760.00 - $221,640.00Compens