Transportation Category Buyer

Career Area:

Job Description:

At Caterpillar, we’re working to help our customers build a better world. We wouldn’t be the Caterpillar we are today without the exceptionally talented, bright and driven people who get the job done. This is your chance to help us make progress possible around the world – for our customers, for growing communities and for every member of our team. We are looking for a dynamic, organized self-starter to join our Product Support and Logistics Division as Global Procurement Manager - Ocean.

Product Support and Logistics Division

We’re committedto our customers, who build a better world with our products, services and solutions. We understand and show the value of why they should always choose us. We’re exploring new ideas and opportunities – innovatingto discover the breakthroughs necessary for tomorrow’s growth. And we are one team– creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition.

The Opportunity:Category Buyer for global ocean transportation procurement

Major Role:

This position will be responsible for the procurement of transportation services – International Airfreight and Freight Forwarding . This is a global role that works with operations team to define business requirements and drive global carrier strategy that supports overall organizational objectives. Key work activities include managing a network of global transportation providers, strategically sourcing to meet operational objectives , bidding process, contracts administration and driving carrier performance.

Key Job functions include but not limited to:

• Procure transportation services – International Airfreight and Freight Forwarding that meet Cat’s complex global operational and procurement standard requirements. Key focus around strategic sourcing to ensure capacity, service and market price objectives are met.

• Lead global contract negotiations with transportation providers to achieve service and price that meet operational objectives and in accordance with Cat’s long-term carrier strategy.

• Work with operations to define business requirements (statements of work), incorporate requirements into bid tool and executes competitive bid/RFP.

• Establish service provider selection criteria and evaluate those service provider’s capabilities against these criteria.

• Work with Caterpillar’s legal services to ensure that all carrier contracts provide the Caterpillar Enterprise with appropriate legal protections.

• Act as commercial escalation for unresolved carrier issues.

• Drives supplier performance, as defined by operations, to ensure carriers are accountable for meeting service commitments.

• Track market rates using analytical tools and communicate those market trends through summary reports to appropriate management and key business units on a regular basis.

• Ensure carrier cost drivers are understood and communicated as needed.

• Work with service providers to establish quarterly / half-yearly / annual business reviews and ensure those business reviews are held with appropriate business units.

• Drive visibility of transportation rates/services through new or existing technology platforms / rate cloud

Basic Requirements:

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in procurement of transportation services to include the development and execution of complex tenders (bids) and associated tools and technology platforms development and execution of contracts as shipper or service provider

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Business Administration.

• Ability to work both independently and in team environment.

• Pricing- Proficient with transportation pricing and standards.

• Contract negotiation skills

• Strategic Relationship Management (Senior level relationship responsibility)

• Transportation Bid Process (Online, traditional RFP)

• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Salesforce,

• Travel approximately requires 25% or less travel

Background Preferred (but not required):

• Process improvement

• Project Management

• Industry relevant certifications (i.e. LEAN, Six Sigma, APICS, PMP)

Other Essential Abilities and Skills:

• Strong Analytical Aptitude

• Strong organization and relationship management skills

• Excellent written & verbal communication

• Comprehensive knowledge of transportation carrier compliance, safety and regulatory terminology

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).

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