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.

Job Purpose

The category buyer role is to provide purchasing solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value on cab and cab components designed by HEDC/EDC from suppliers in Japan.

Job Related Statistics

Business Partner Interface:
EXD NPI, HEDC/EDC design controls, EXD facilities, ICS cab facilities, global EXSM/EMSM categories

Supplier Location:
Mainly in Japan including import parts via Tier 1 suppliers in Japan

Job Duties

Major Role:

This role is responsible for the development, and/or communication and implementation of a site, regional, and occasional worldwide sourcing strategy.

Responsible for managing 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.

OIA through Negotiation with suppliers

NPI/Current Prod:
Should cost management and sourcing strategy

Daily workload:
RFQ and system input, Deliver stable PQVC result
Lean and BIQ deployment
AoS including capacity planning
Supplier issue resolution
Service parts performance improvement

Leadership - 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, SDEs, and Purchasing Analysts. Promote the highest level of professionalism and business ethics.

Strategy- Tools and Techniques of negotiation, data analysis and problem solving will be required.

Customers - The role will encompass managing suppliers delivering into many Caterpillar facilities.
Typical internal customers include contacts at all organization levels, worldwide.

Supplier Development:

• 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.

Travel:
The position requires travel up to 25%

Skills

Purchasing, logistics, manufacturing, and/or engineering expertise.
University/ college degree or equivalent experience and qualifications.
4+ years of experience or equivalent skills with progressively increasing levels of responsibility.
Well-developed interpersonal skills are required in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions.
Capable of leading teams, suppliers and customers to effective solutions.
Analytical, problem solving, and project leadership skill.
Effective communicator, in written and oral form. Native Japanese language and Fluent in English language and preferred other languages.
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.

Join Us at Caterpillar Japan

At Caterpillar Japan, our employees come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of specialized skills to their work. They are active contributors in their respective fields, driving innovation and excellence every day.

We're proud of our inclusive and dynamic workplace—and we're always looking for passionate individuals to join our team.

Come build your future with us

Posting Dates

January 8, January 22, 2026

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

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