Senior Manager - Indirect Contracting

Caterpillar’s Global Finance Services Division (GFSD) is seeking a Senior Manager – Indirect Contracting to lead the Contracting Center of Excellence (COE), a global team responsible for the creation, maintenance, negotiation, and approval of contracts supporting Indirect Procurement activities.

This strategic leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, team performance, supplier contracting processes, and continuous improvement across the contracting function. You will partner closely with Procurement, Legal, and business stakeholders while helping shape the future of indirect procurement through standardization, innovation, and AI-enabled solutions.

What You Will Do

• Lead a global Contracting Center of Excellence responsible for contract creation, negotiation, maintenance, and approval processes.
• Manage and improve team performance against established service levels, KPIs, and business objectives.
• Partner with Legal, Indirect Procurement, and business stakeholders to ensure efficient and compliant contracting practices.
• Drive innovation, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives across the contracting organization.
• Lead the implementation and adoption of AI-enabled solutions that improve efficiency, scalability, and user experience throughout the contracting process.
• Establish and maintain a culture aligned with Caterpillar’s Values in Action and strategic behaviors.
• Provide leadership in contract negotiations, supplier engagement, and contracting governance.
• Develop team capabilities, succession plans, and employee growth opportunities.
• Utilize data and performance metrics to identify opportunities and implement process improvements.

What You Have

Leadership & Team Management

• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience within procurement, contracting, legal operations, or related business functions.
• Experience leading organizations through change while driving engagement, accountability, and performance.
• Ability to lead and influence teams across multiple regions and stakeholder groups.

Business Partnership & Communication

• Strong ability to collaborate with Procurement, Legal, and business leaders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex contracting concepts for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build relationships and drive alignment across multiple functions.

Operational Excellence & Problem Solving

• Experience managing service delivery, operational metrics, and performance objectives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data to drive continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of centralized service ownership with accountability for setting and achieving global performance metrics.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience leading a Contracting Center of Excellence or centralized contracting organization.
• Experience managing global teams with regional leadership structures.
• Strong knowledge of procurement contracting processes and legal document workflows.
• Experience negotiating commercial and legal terms with suppliers.
• Lean, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence experience.
• Experience leading technology transformation initiatives, including AI-enabled process improvements.
• Proven ability to use data and analytics to improve performance, service delivery, and stakeholder experience.

Additional Information

• Global leadership role with responsibility for contract operations supporting Indirect Procurement.
• Regular collaboration with Procurement, Legal, and enterprise business partners.
• Opportunity to help define and implement the future contracting strategy through automa