Entry Level Supply Chain Buyer

2027Entry Level Supply Chain Buyer 

The buyer position is responsible for day-to-day and strategic supplier management including, but not limited to purchase order placement, follow-up, and issue resolution; communication of demand and forecasts; preparing contracts and assist in negotiating contract terms; managing supplier relationships and performance metrics; communicating and mitigating risk that could impact Solar’s ability to meet the business plan.

A Buyer acts with a sense of urgency and is diligent in providingtimelysupport to internal clients and external customers.This individual operates in compliance with corporate and Supply Chain policies and procedures.A Buyer may manage relationshipsofseveral non-strategic suppliers as well as a select few strategic or complex suppliers. This position may belocatedcentrally or in regional offices. This individual has no direct reports but works 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 toparticipateon projects from conception to completion that directlysupport toorganizationalobjectives.

The primary functions of the job include but are not limited to:

• Supply Chain Management

• Contract Management

• Negotiation

• Supplier Selection & Management

• Cost Management 

• Purchasing Execution

The work environment is mostlyoffice based; however, this position may visit internal production areas as well as external supplier sites, which may involve domestic and/or international travel.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Continuously practices anddemonstratesSafety and acts in adherence to Our Values in Action.

• Effectively evaluates, improves, and sustains supplier performance, including but not limitedto:quality, cost, delivery, lead-time, bid & proposal turn-times, project & field support, etc.
  Identifies opportunities for cost reduction. 

• Seeksassistanceto utilizecost modeling techniques andanalyzeTCO to ensure the best overall value to Solar.

• Manages andmaintainsthe 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 thatdeterminesas well as executes the strategic direction (Hold, Grow,Consolidate, Exit).

• Assistsandparticipatesin commercial negotiations and is accountable for contract execution and maintenance. 

• Participates in and supports cross functional teaming in supplier development, problem resolution, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Supports new product introduction, global strategic sourcing, and supplier selection to ensure flexible capacity and consistent supply from qualified suppliers to support businessobjectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Overall GPA of at least2.8on a 4.0 scale.  

• The position requires a bachelor’s degree
  Experience with ERP software andproficiencywith 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 another related field

• Prior internship orpreviouswork experience in Supply Chain

• Supply Chain Certification from a professional institution (APICS, IIPMR, ISCEA, ISM, etc.)

• Understanding and demonstration of 6-Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles.

• 6-Sigma Blackbelt Certification. 

Summary Pay Range:

$76,542.00 - $114,814.00

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