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 Title: Category Buyer
Salary: £57,700 to £72,000 based on skills demonstrated
Contract: Full time & permanent
Location: Desford, Leicestershire
The Opportunity
As a Category Buyer, you will act as a key liaison between Caterpillar and its supply base, supporting the development of suppliers to meet quality and production goals. Your work will directly contribute to delivering machines that meet customer expectations.
You will play an integral role in cross-functional project teams, collaborating closely with Engineering, Quality, Packaging, and Supply Chain colleagues on both new product introductions and machine upgrades.
As a Category Buyer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:
Leading supplier selection activities for components used on Caterpillar machines
Managing supplier relationships, including fact-based negotiation on pricing and commercial agreements, ensuring cost competitiveness, compliance, and sustainable value, while proactively identifying opportunities and mitigating risks
Developing and executing global category strategies in collaboration with key stakeholders
Driving continuous improvement in supplier performance by analysing and acting on Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) metrics
Partnering with suppliers across categories such as fluid carrying tubes, hoses, bearings, fasteners, and related components
NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.
What You Can Demonstrate:
Level: Working Knowledge
Problem Solving: Identifies root causes of supplier, quality or cost issues and develops effective corrective actions. Uses structured, data-driven approaches to resolve problems and support effective commercial outcomes across the supply base.
Managing Multiple Priorities: Effectively manages multiple projects and supplier activities in a fast-paced environment. Prioritises workload to balance day-to-day operational demands, including supplier engagements, with longer-term category and sourcing objectives.
Effective Communications: Communicates clearly with suppliers and cross-functional teams to explain complex issues and align stakeholders on decisions. Builds consensus across technical and commercial discussions, including fact-based negotiation of pricing and agreements, to achieve desired outcomes.
Analytical Thinking: Applies structured analysis to evaluate supplier performance, sourcing options and risk. Uses data, cost drivers, and market insights to support decision-making and strengthen commercial negotiations.
What You May Have:
Solid understanding of purchasing principles, processes, and compliance, including supplier agreements and commercial terms
Strong ability to engage with suppliers and support day-to-day commercial discussions in a manufacturing or operational setting
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and apply this understanding to sourcing and decision-making
Confident use of Excel and PowerPoint to analyse data, generate insights, and support clear, informed decision-making
Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.
Just a quick heads-up: We start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, so if you’re interested, don’t wait too long! We may close the advert early if we feel we’ve got a strong pool of potentially suitable applicants.
Don’t miss out, get your application in soon!
What You Will Get
One Company, Limitless Opportunities
Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.
Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.
Our Sustainability Commitment
Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.
Benefits: 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy additional holiday, Private Medical, 12% Bonus, contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%, contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution, Employee Support Networks – join groups that offer support, connection, and a sense of community, optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc
Travel: Travel: Up to 15–20% domestically and intern
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Posting Dates:
June 9, 2026 - June 24, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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