Your work shapes the world at caterpillar inc.
when you join caterpillar, you become part of a global team dedicated to creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We combine progress, innovation, and collaboration to build a better world we can all enjoy.
position
category buyer – indirect purchasing‑global finance services division (global travel and fleet category and programs, hr, consulting, marketing).
responsibilities
* serve as the primary contact between caterpillar and the supply base for global initiatives, including commercial discussions and negotiations with suppliers.
* act as the recognized expert for assigned professional services categories, including global travel and fleet services.
* manage global supplier relationships: supplier performance, cost management, risk management, and category network management.
* develop and implement global and regional category strategies for travel services (air, hotel, ground transportation, travel management companies), fleet management, and other professional services categories.
* align category plans with business needs, stakeholder expectations, and corporate social responsibility goals.
* monitor market trends and innovations to identify cost‑saving opportunities and service improvements.
* oversee policies, agreements, source catalogues, and special procurement programs.
* lead end‑to‑end sourcing processes: rfi/rfp preparation, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract implementation.
* ensure robust governance and stakeholder engagement throughout sourcing activities.
* manage strategic travel suppliers, ensuring service delivery, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.
* conduct regular performance reviews and maintain strong vendor partnerships.
* lead continuous improvement initiatives within purchasing, driving cost reductions, quality improvement, and risk assessment.
* handle a substantial flow of projects with challenging or expedited deadlines; facilitate and manage procurement from start to finish with a hands‑on approach.
* work efficiently with internal bu stakeholders, service owners, crm teams, subject matter experts, legal, and tax to integrate business requirements into procurement decisions.
* facilitate cross‑functional alignment and support change management initiatives.
* negotiate and manage supplier contracts in coordination with legal teams.
* define and track kpis, savings delivery, and supplier performance metrics.
* analyze fragmented spend data to support strategic decisions and reporting.
education & qualifications
* bachelor’s degree (preferably in business, finance, purchasing/supply chain, law, or related field).
* proficient in english.
* 3+ years in insourcing or procurement roles focused on professional services categories or as a travel manager; global sourcing experience preferred.
* strong understanding of category deliverables, savings commitments, milestone translation into actionable sourcing plans.
* demonstrated ability to manage and optimize supplier performance, ensuring contract compliance and continuous improvement.
* experience negotiating contractual and commercial cost elements with internal and external stakeholders.
* proficiency with procurement systems and tools, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.
* analytical, problem‑solving, and project support skills to apply structured data analysis for buying decisions.
* effective communication: building trusted relationships across matrix organization and supplier network, adapting presentations and documentation to different audiences.
* interpersonal skills: integrity in complex or sensitive situations, consensus building in group and cross‑functional environments.
* proactive mindset with autonomy and ownership of assigned sourcing activities.
* preferred knowledge of guided buy, next gen, and concur travel and expense systems.
benefits & additional information
* onsite work required five days a week, located in monterrey.
* relocation assistance available.
the caterpillar code of conduct states that we will select and place personnel based on their qualifications for the work to be performed, without regard to race, religion, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. In this company we do not request pregnancy tests, nor hiv tests as requirements for entry, permanence or job promotion.
caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
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