2027 Entry Level Buyer-San Diego,California

Career Area:

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.

2027 Entry 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 Solar's ability to meet the business plan.

A Buyer acts with a sense of urgency and is diligent in providing timely support to internal clients and external customers. This individual operates in compliance with corporate and Supply Chain policies and procedures. A Buyer may manage relationships of several non-strategic suppliers as well as a select few strategic or complex suppliers. This position may be located centrally 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 to participate on projects from conception to completion that directly support to organizational objectives.

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 mostly office 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 and demonstrates Safety and acts in adherence to Our Values in Action.

• Effectively evaluates, improves, and sustains supplier performance, including but not limited to: quality, cost, delivery, lead-time, bid & proposal turn-times, project & field support, etc.
  Identifies opportunities for cost reduction.

• Seeks assistance to utilize cost modeling techniques and analyze TCO to ensure the best overall value to Solar.

• Manages and maintains the 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 that determines as well as executes the strategic direction (Hold, Grow, Consolidate, Exit).

• Assists and participates in 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 business objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Overall GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

• The position requires a bachelor's degree
  Experience with ERP software and proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio)

• Fluent in Business English in written and oral form.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or another related field

• Prior internship or previous work 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:

$76,542.00 - $114,814.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-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

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:
July 16, 2026 - July 21, 2026

Any 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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Salary : $76,542 - $114,814