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.
JOB PURPOSE:
The category buyer role is to provide purchasing solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value on Hydraulic tube and other components from suppliers in Japan.
JOB RELATED STATISTICS:
Business Partner Interface: EXD NPI, HEDC/EDC(Europe Design Center) design controls, EXD facilities, ICD(Integrated Component Division) Hydraulic and Powertrain facilities, global EXSM(Excavator Supply Management) categories.
Supplier Location: Mainly in Japan including import parts via Tier 1 suppliers in Japan
JOB DUTIES:
Major Role: This role is responsible for category procurement management across hydraulic components and powertrain‑related suppliers, with a primary focus on hydraulic tube suppliers, as well as tailor‑made suppliers.
This role is critical to achieving 2026 business objectives, including:
1)Driving SVC initiatives with tube supplier to deliver a 5% cost reduction (approximately USD 1 million) through VAVE activities.
2)Advancing manufacturing and supply chain synergy between China and Japan.
3)Consolidating the tailor‑made supplier base to improve efficiency, quality, and risk resilience.
In addition to these strategic priorities, the role requires day‑to‑day leadership in supplier relationship management, ensuring a stable and competitive supplier base and consistent.
Leadership - Provide leadership for sourcing, logistics and resource management decisions. Lead
continuous improvement initiatives and purchasing new product introduction activities within Purchasing. Demonstrate leadership in recognizing the potential for cost and inventory reductions, and quality improvement as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.
Strategy- Tools and Techniques of negotiation, data analysis and problem solving will be required.
Customers - The role will encompass managing suppliers delivering into many Caterpillar facilities.
Typical internal customers include contacts at all organization levels, worldwide.
Supplier Development: - Collaborate with Supplier Development Engineers, to ensure continuous
improvement in QCLDM with key suppliers. Build and foster mutually beneficial supplier relationships at all organizational levels.
Travel: The position requires travel up to 25%
BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE:
- Experience is preferred in purchasing, logistics, manufacturing, and/or engineering.
- The position requires an undergraduate degree from a college or university – or equivalent experience.
- Progressively responsible experience in relevant field.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions.
- Capable of leading teams, suppliers and customers to effective solutions.
- Analytical, problem solving.
- Effective communicator, in written and oral form. Native Japanese language and Fluent in English language and preferred other languages.
- Strong Negotiator, able to interpret, analyze and negotiate contractual cost elements.
- Understanding of QCLDM.
This position requires working onsite five days a week.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
March 23, 2026 - April 3, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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