2027 Leadership & Technical Development Program

About The Role

Caterpillar's Procurement Leadership and Technical Development Program (LTDP) is a three-year rotational program designed to accelerate development of entry-level talent and provide a solid foundation for meeting challenges within the Procurement function of Supply Chain. The program offers broad exposure to Caterpillar, diverse project responsibilities, engagement in a global team, cross-functional job experiences, and networking opportunities with leadership. This program builds technical capabilities for managing Caterpillar's Supplier Relationship Management, Supply Chain Integration, and Procurement functions, with a focus on technical aspects of procurement, manufacturing, quality, supplier management, and operations supervision. Upon successful completion, participants are placed into permanent positions within the Procurement function.

What You Will Do

Professionals will complete three 12-month rotations, defined by business needs. Willingness to travel and relocate to participating facilities in North America is required. Experiences may include:

• Category Buyer: Responsible for directing sourcing strategy development, communication, and implementation. Manages policies, agreements, source catalogs, special purchasing programs, and supports NPI programs for specific product lines.
• Facility Procurement Professional: Manages supply network procurement activities for a facility, ensuring procurement excellence and integration between the Procurement organization and facility/divisional support teams.
• Supplier Development Engineer: Collaborates with and advises the assigned supply base, providing technical expertise and leadership in executing a robust quality plan within the supplier network.
• Procurement Professional: Analyzes and maintains processes for output excellence, builds expertise, and contributes to continuous improvement efforts. Leads project management for process improvement, development, and execution within the Procurement team.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Analytical skills, initiating ideas, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities.
• Ability to work constructively and collaboratively with diverse individuals.
• Fundamental understanding of business process designs, engineering for a manufacturing environment, supplier relationship management concepts, and logistics and supply chain management.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to quickly gain and effectively apply new skills and knowledge.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to participate in and build on an inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment.
• Ensure recognition and value of all team members' contributions.

Qualifications

• Completed degree from a university/college by the start of the program in Business/Supply Chain Management, Industrial/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, or other relevant supply chain degrees.
• Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.8/4.0 (no rounding) at current institution.
• Must be willing to travel and relocate domestically based upon business needs for each rotation and for post-program assignment.
• Program Start Date: June 2027.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• 0-2 years of relevant manufacturing or supply chain/logistics experience, which may include internships or academic projects.
• Project or Team Leadership experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Foundational skills in procurement including supplier relationship management, supply chain integration, and manufacturing operations.

Additional Information

• Resume and unofficial transcript are required.
• Applicants will be considered for positions throughout the United States.
• Relocation is available to those that qualify.
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
• Most positions will be in the Peoria, Illinois area.
• This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Pay Range

$81,370.00 - $133,810.00

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