Associate Purchasing Analyst

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.

Role Definition Processes requisitions and provides support for purchasing, supply chain, sourcing, cost, price analyses and contract/purchase order generation. Responsibilities •    Delivering analysis and maintenance of purchasing and quality data including but not limited to; purchase orders, quotations, invoices, source catalogs, material rejection disposal reports, tooling records, supplier data and measurements. •    Working with master planners on outsourcing needs; establishing blanket purchase orders and vendor managed inventory (VMI). •    Supporting customers and customer proposal efforts with pricing information and supplier selection. •    Performing analytical and administrative tasks in support of purchasing strategic initiatives. Degree Requirement Degree or equivalent experience desired Skill Descriptors Business Business Process Design: Knowledge of business process design; ability to develop appropriate techniques to re-examine key processes and focus on optimizing organizational performance. Level Basic Understanding:  •    Identifies a business process re-engineering methodology for a specific situation. •    Describes the phases of process re-engineering. •    Explains the purpose of business process design or re-engineering. •    States the key business process design rules in own area. Individual Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems. Level Basic Understanding:  •    Names specific tools or techniques that can be used to support the analytical thinking process. •    Describes specific software applications or products used for business analytics. •    Gives examples of how analytical thinking has been used to resolve problems. •    Helps others research and learn more about business analytics tools and applications. Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Level Working Knowledge:  •    Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient. •    Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness. •    Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work. •    Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate. •    Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups. Management Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives. Level Working Knowledge:  •    Provides input for Gantt or PERT charts or their equivalent to track project progress and status. •    Under guidance, plans and estimates simple projects. •    Assists in detailed project plans including cost, schedule, and resource requirements. •    Obtains information from stakeholders during the planning stage of a project. •    Produces standard project status reports. Project Management Procurement: Knowledge of buying and procurement; ability to work with organizational strategies and practices, and use tools for buying goods, supplies, equipment and services needed to conduct business. Level Basic Understanding:  •    Identifies the major steps and critical paths in a purchasing cycle. •    Explains the basic concepts and responsibilities of institutional purchasing. •    Describes the major types of materials, products or services purchased by the organization. •    Identifies the basic tools used for maintaining procurement information and records. Purchasing Knowledge of a Specific Procurement System: Knowledge of the features, functions and operations of a specific procurement system; ability to develop and use tools, techniques, and practices for a specific procurement application. Level Basic Understanding:  •    Summarizes major functions, features and capabilities of the procurement application. •    Identifies key reports, their use, and frequency related to the specific procurement system. •    Explains how to process purchases of basic materials and supplies. •    Identifies key components of the specific system using relevant language. Purchasing Tasks and Activities: Knowledge of policies, regulations and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment and services. Level Basic Understanding:  •    Identifies the basic tools used for maintaining procurement information. •    Identifies major types of products or services purchased by the organization. •    Explains the basic concepts and responsibilities of purchasing tasks and activities. •    Describes established procurement processes and standards. Supply Chain and Logistics Management Logistics Management: Knowledge of the processes, tools and operational considerations for effective and efficient movement of goods and materials; ability to understand, predict and control the movement of goods, materials and supplies. Level Basic Understanding:  •    Documents internal and external informative sources or proprietary materials about logistics management. •    Describes basic logistical processes and sub-processes. •    Explains how improvements in logistics contribute to competitive advantage in the marketplace. •    Identifies issues and considerations for inbound and outbound logistics.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.  

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: September 1, 2026 - September 8, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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