2026 Entry Level – Supply Chain - Buyer

About the job

Career Area: Procurement, Supply Chain and Logistics

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.

Role Summary Supports purchasing and supply chain operations by processing requisitions, analyzing costs, managing contracts, and contributing to sourcing and procurement strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and develop skills that result from the practical application of basic supply chain knowledge by assisting a project team or others in the workgroup.
• Provide support for purchasing, supply chain, sourcing, cost, price analysis, and contract/purchase order generation.
• Develop improvement plans to support buyers related to response time, lean targets, quality, cost, logistics, development, capacity, and risk management to enable optimal and efficient operations.
• Perform analytical and administrative tasks in support of purchasing strategic initiatives.
• Manage purchased material requirements according to the demand signals for the assigned products. Take appropriate actions to ensure material availability and appropriate inventory levels, ensuring that the correct material is delivered to the right place and at the right time.
• Monitor material shortages tools, adjusting the delivery schedule with suppliers as needed, according to inventory availability and demand signals. Communicate shortages or risk of shortages to customer.

Core Competencies

• Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Applies structured analysis to evaluate options and guide informed decisions.
• Effective Communication: Clearly conveys information and feedback, adapting to audience needs.
• Negotiation: Engages vendors and stakeholders to reach collaborative, win-win outcomes.
• Vendor Management: Coordinates with suppliers to ensure timely, quality deliverables and resolves issues proactively.
• Cost Management: Understands cost drivers and supports initiatives to optimize spend.
• Procurement Knowledge: Familiar with purchasing cycles, tools, and organizational procurement practices.
• Procurement Systems: Uses procurement software to manage orders, track shipments, and resolve system issues.
• Purchasing Operations: Understands procurement policies and supports purchasing activities across categories.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, business, or a related field. Overall GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience related to this field (internships or academic projects are a plus)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
• Interest in process improvement and vendor relationship management.

Core Competencies: Analytical Thinking Apply structured analysis to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.

Decision Making & Critical Thinking Use data-driven judgment to evaluate risks and make informed decisions.

Business Process Improvement