Vendor Management Specialist – IT Negotiator

Caterpillar Inc.

Vendor Management Specialist collaborating with IT teams and negotiating with technology suppliers at Caterpillar. Creating negotiation strategies and providing subject matter expertise across business units.

Posted 7/2/2026full-timeEast Peoria • Illinois, Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $128,470 - $192,710 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cloud

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Create detailed negotiation strategies, including points of leverage, identification of all deal variables, and development of appropriate counteroffers.
Working with 3rd party advisory firms to enhance Caterpillar’s market intelligence and negotiation strategies.
Advise internal customers on the negotiation plan and gain alignment on strategy, timing, and process steps.
Negotiate directly with Caterpillar’s technology suppliers to minimize risk and maximize value for the acquisition of SaaS, software, hardware, telecommunications, cloud, and related professional services.
Provide thought leadership and sourcing subject matter expertise to internal IT/Business customers and matrix partners.
Engage with internal customers and suppliers to support resolution of varying complexity disputes, and other matters requiring a balance of assertiveness, tact, business acumen, and diplomacy.
Partner with finance to analyze deal financials and impact to annual budget processes.
Achieve annual savings targets and other performance metrics as assigned.
Partner with internal matrix partners such as finance, procurement, legal, etc. on negotiations and continuous process improvement.
Establish a forward-looking demand for contract renewals and net new initiatives.
Develop and administer frequent communications and discussions to maintain awareness and monitor progress for such demand.
Conduct Supplier spend analysis on a regular basis to identify opportunities across our suppliers and organization.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ability to simultaneously lead multiple initiatives while consistently meeting timelines and milestones.
Ability to accurately interpret complex contract language and summarize historical contracts.
Knowledge of business principles such as, demand management, project management, commercial contracting, technology licensing, and negotiation principles.
Understanding of cost and price analysis techniques
Understanding of the unique aspects of technology sourcing as compared to other categories.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Fluent in the English language.
Well-developed collaboration skills communicating across the organization and reaching consensus on specific actions.
Functional leadership.
Capable of leading teams, suppliers, and customers to effective solutions.
Analytical, problem solving, and project leadership skill.
Strong Negotiator, able to interpret, analyze and negotiate commercial terms.
Bachelor’s degree or more than 5 years’ equivalent experience in an area of study relevant to this position
Extensive experience with IT sourcing (negotiations).

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Negotiation PrinciplesCommercial ContractingDemand ManagementTechnology LicensingSupplier Spend Analysis

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsVerbal CommunicationWritten CommunicationCollaboration SkillsProblem Solving