2027 Entry Level Buyer
San Diego, CA - USA
Job Summary
Career Area:
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar yourejoining 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 dontjust 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.
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 Solars 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 GrowConsolidate 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 bachelors degree
Experience with ERP software andproficiencywith MS Office Suite (Word PowerPoint Excel Visio)
Fluent in Business English in written and oral form.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelors 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:
$76542.00 - $114814.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors job level market locationjob-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
Posting Dates:
July 23 2026 - December 30 2026Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
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Required Experience:
Junior IC
About Company
Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.