Career Area:
Purchasing & 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 Description**:
Position Objective
This position is responsible for executing the sourcing activities assuring reliable primary and alternate sources of worldwide supply. The Sourcing Specialist initiates the sourcing process by monitoring and assessing Solar's current supply base and identifying new potential suppliers for qualification. The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for leading the supplier evaluation, selection and qualification processes. This individual will also leverage their expertise to optimize the supply base to address local content or regional needs, support growth initiatives, mitigate risk, and implement business continuation plans. At this level, individuals demonstrate creativity, foresight and matured commercial and technical judgment in problem solving.
Dimensions
People: Sourcing Specialist will support multiple internal and external business groups, engage in cross functional interactions across the business, and can provide back-up coverage for Buyers, Supplier Technical Engineers, and Supply Chain Managers.
Leadership: Is a Recognized Authority in the role identifying and implementing best-in-class sourcing processes and tools. Acts as a coach/mentor in the areas of supply chain management, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationships. Leads 6-Sigma and/or cross functional teams.
Suppliers: Can be Sole, Single, Dual, or Multiple sourced. Can provide direct and/or indirect goods & services and may involve Third Party Intermediaries (TPIs).
Buyer-Supplier Relationships: Arms-Length, Preferred Suppliers, Partnerships, Strategic Alliances.
Supplier Complexity & Risk: Works with suppliers that fall within the following Portfolio Analysis categories: Acquisition, Leverage, Critical, Strategic.
Balance of Power: Works across the supplier balance of power spectrum (Buyer, Neutral, Seller).
Nature and Scope
- This position is the sourcing focal point for a commodity strategy that could support Customer Services, regional and local content requirements, NPI programs, and other key projects. At this level, individuals are expected to combine their technical expertise with commercial aspects of Supply Chain to make strategic sourcing recommendations and decisions to support the cost, quality and velocity objectives of the commodity. The incumbent should be able to demonstrates commercial and technical leadership skills with the ability to recognize and sell good ideas. The Sourcing Specialist will also ensure engagement of Solar and Supplier staff at management, technical, and operational levels. It is a requirement to act with a sense of urgency and diligently provide timely support to internal clients.
- The major function of this role includes sourcing for assigned commodities with knowledge of viable global suppliers, emerging technologies, innovative processes, as well as environmental and geo-political factors. This involves actively consulting with internal clients, industry experts, and customers (where appropriate) to understand the VOB, VOC, and VOS as inputs to build robust commodity and sourcing strategies. Developed strategies are to be documented via the Supply Chain Strategy Document, implemented, and communicated. This also includes identifying, assessing, mitigating and reporting key financial and operational risks while ensuring reliable sources of worldwide supply.
- The decisions that are made by the Sourcing Specialist will be based on: industry, category, and supplier analyses, Supply Chain Management input or direction, Our Values in Action, Worldwide Procedures, Solar Policies, Quality Management System, process documentation, Import/Export compliance guidelines as well as adherence to State, Federal, and international regulations. Erroneous decisions would typically result in failure to achieve goals critical to the organization and/or Customers and seriously affect the Company's performance.
- This individual operates in compliance with corporate and Supply Chain policies and procedures. This individual has no direct reports, but works within a team structure typically including Buyers, Supply Chain Coordinators/Planners, Supplier Technical Engineers, Supplier Development Engineers, and reports directly to a Supply Chain Manager. There is an expectation to improve processes, related tools, and lead initiatives that directly support organizational objectives.
- Internal clients include, but are not limited