Category Buyer II (Critical engine components)

Job Purpose

POSITION CAN BE FILLED IN:

LAGRANGE, IL; MUNCIE, IN; WINSTON-SALEM, NC OR MAYFIELD, KY

Position develops, leads, maintains and seeks approval of sourcing strategies from functional management; Continuously optimizes the Total Cost of Ownership; Leads cost reduction program; Actively participates to the pre-bid and bid processes, up to Aftermarket phase; Selects, negotiates and establishes contracts with suppliers; Monitor supplier’s performance; Resolves chronic problems regarding quality and supply; Leads make/buy process up to approval from Senior VP; Works closely with all functions and supports resolution of operational issues when required. Provides purchasing solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value.

Req ID

10383BR

Work Location Options

LaGrange, IL 60525; Muncie, IN 47302; Mayfield, KY 42066; Winston Salem, NC 27107

City

La Grange

State:

Illinois

Company Description

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is an integrated rolling stock and infrastructure provider, delivering a full range of products and services to domestic and international railroad customers. Our customers enjoy one-stop shopping and comprehensive cradle-to-grave railway solutions - whether it rolls on the rail or is the rail itself. From locomotives, transit, freight cars and engines, to tracks, signals and advanced technology, we ensure customers can count on us to meet all their rail needs. Forging the bridge between ideas and success, our talented and innovative team members work together to address the challenges of the rail industry today, ensuring success for the future. As part of a vibrant, global network of business operations, each and every member of our team is important to our success. With headquarters in Albertville, Ala., more than 7,000 dedicated employees serve customers through a network of close to 150 locations around the world. For more information, visit www.progressrail.com and follow @Progress_Rail on Twitter and YouTube.

Key Job Elements

• Development, and/or communication and implementation of a site, regional, and occasional worldwide sourcing strategy of critical engine components;
• Manage policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special purchasing programs, and supporting specific Product line(s) NPI programs;
• Accountable for the liaison with the corresponding Category/Platform based Buyers;
• 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;
• Mentor and develop other Buyers, SQEs, and Purchasing Analysts (where assigned);
• Promote the highest level of professionalism and business ethics;
• Tools and Techniques of 6 Sigma will be required and may be attained by Black Belt, Green Belt, Project Sponsor, or other 6 Sigma related training programs;
• Actively participate in 6 Sourcing Strategic Sourcing teams to fully understand the current performance of the supply base, evaluate strategic options, decide a course of action, and begin implementation;
• Strong knowledge of the product, NPI, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Category Strategies;
• Manage suppliers delivering into many Progress Rail facilities;
• Typical internal customers include contacts at all organization levels, worldwide;
• Solve problems by determining the best course of action, within departmental guidelines, from many existing solutions;
• Identify and satisfy Critical Customer Requirements (CCR), managing Product expectations for Global Purchasing to deliver benefits required to sustain a competitive advantage;
• 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.
  
  
  

Education / Training

Required:

• Bachelor's degree;
• Experience of ERP systems and MS office product;
• Excellent computer skills.
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Typically requires a Bachelors Degree (preferably in Business, Engineering, Finance, Purchasing/Supply Chain);
• Prior Purchasing experience of engine critical components such as crankshafts, camshafts, bearings, piston rings, bearing etc.
• SAP or LN exposure.
  
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

• Good verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated analytical ability and problem solving skills;
• Self-starter with initiative. ability to function with minimal supervision;
• Interpersonal skills to work within team environment;
• Ability to read (or learn to read) blueprints and understand basic Engineering documents;
• Experience with demand forecasting and inventory management;
• Ability to travel as required;
• Attention to detain, ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks with strict deadlines;
• Ability to apply logic and reasoning to identify solutions to problems;
• Demonstrated personal time management skills.
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Professional certification in Purchasing and/or Inventory Management preferred, e.g.; Certified
  
  
  

Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified in Production and Inventory management (CPIM) and Certified in Integration Resource Management (CIRM), or comparable international certification;

• Well-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions;
• This individual normally possesses category team or product team experience;
• Capable of leading teams, suppliers and customers to effective solutions;
• Analytical, problem solving, and project leadership skill;
• Effective communicator, in written and oral form;
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Caterpillar and our suppliers;
• Strong Negotiator, able to interpret, analyze and negotiate contractual cost elements;
• Understanding of QCLDM.
  
  
  

Essential and Physical Activities Functions:

• Strength – Position involves work in a standard office environment. Frequent sitting. Occasional standing, walking. Rare lifting;
• Motion – Position requires standard repetitive motions and hand/eye coordination associated with research and central office communications;
• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Frequent communications, including both talking and hearing;
• Work Environment – Position will typically be located in an office environment;
• Emotional Demands – Position is vital to the organization, as no service or support product can enter multiple Progress Rail facilities without Indirect Sourcing Team; high degree of flexibility and demand with ability to work with a team to accomplish the mission;
• Safety – Position is primarily limited to general office safety and travel requirements.
  
  
  

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of a Senior Commodity Buyer.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
• Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
• Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
• Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits. EEO Equal Opportunity Employer – Race/Color/Sex/Religion/National Origin/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Vets/Disabilities
  
  
  

Job Category

Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Purchasing

PRS Facility Location

EMD HQ LaGrange, IL - 400

Summary Pay Range

$77,069.75 - $139,668.00