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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing plans for engine components and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Caterpillar is a global leader in construction and mining equipment, committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, up to 12% bonus, and flexible benefits like health care and EV car lease.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on sustainable communities and innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: This is a permanent office-based role in Peterborough, UK.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58500 £ per year.
Description
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: up to £58,500 depending on experience
Contract: Permanent
Location: Peterborough, UK
This position requires the candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave,
- Up to 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.
- Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.
Job Summary
We are seeking a buyer to join the UK Regional E&T Procurement team, to bring energy, capability and desire to develop and deliver strategic sourcing plans.
You will lead and drive the strategy execution for a variety of European sourced components, whilst managing productive commercial relationships, to deliver a cost competitive, risk mitigated sourcing strategy. If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply to join Caterpillar’s growing, and dynamic workforce!
What You Will Do:
- This role is responsible and accountable for the development, communication and implementation of a category strategy, for various engine components such as tubes and fabrications
- Serve as the primary contact and lead for supplier commercial discussions and negotiations
- Ensure business continuity, supplier risk management (capacity & financial), assurance of supply, contract management, supplier on / off boarding, response time optimisation and resource management decisions
- Develop and manage a cost reduction plan for the category and promote a Zero-Defect methodology,
- Take responsibility for business proposals and risk assessment.
- Promote the highest level of professionalism and business ethics
- Collaborate with the other functions, to lead and drive continuous improvement in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development and Management (QCLDM) with key suppliers.
- Build and foster mutually beneficial supplier relationships at all organisational levels.
- Identify, qualify, and on-board new suppliers and proactively manage their seamless introduction into the business units
What You Have:
- Strong Procurement experience, ideally within the off highway engine component or machine businesses. (Other areas such as Automotive or FMCG (Fast moving consumer goods) will also be considered.
- An undergraduate degree from a college or university, or equivalent experience.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills, acting with integrity in tough and emotive situations; able to mediate and reach consensus within a group environment.
- Expert communicator; proficient in building collaborative and trusted partnerships to work across an internal matrix organization and external Supplier network.
- Confident negotiator; able to interpret, analyse, and negotiate and execute cost and contractual agreements.
- Proactive and motivated to thrive in an autonomous working environment
- Excellent problem solver – strategic, inquisitive, solution focused, engaged in peer to peer support.
Ideally, you will have gained the following skills and experience through previous roles:
- Professional certification in Purchasing preferred e.g. CIPS
- Understanding of Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development and Management principles (QCLDM) principles.
- Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Caterpillar and our suppliers
What You Will Get:
Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. You will benefit from a very competitive compensation and benefits package, career development and training opportunities, from a globally-renowned company which is driven by its core values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability.
NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.
Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting
About Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc. 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. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. #LI
Posting Dates:
July 14, 2025 – July 28, 2025
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
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CATEGORY BUYER III employer: Caterpillar
Contact Detail:
Caterpillar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CATEGORY BUYER III
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Caterpillar's core values and mission. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community building will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Caterpillar, especially those in procurement roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills and be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences. Caterpillar values confident negotiators, so demonstrating your ability to handle tough discussions will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management, particularly in the off-highway engine component sector. Being knowledgeable about industry developments will show your proactive nature and readiness to contribute to Caterpillar's strategic sourcing plans.
We think you need these skills to ace CATEGORY BUYER III
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience, especially in off-highway engine components or similar industries. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in negotiation, supplier management, and strategic sourcing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for procurement and your understanding of Caterpillar's mission. Mention how your values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven cost reduction in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and any professional certifications like CIPS. Caterpillar values integrity and teamwork, so make sure to illustrate how you embody these qualities in your work.
Follow Application Instructions: Carefully read the job posting and ensure you include all required documents and information. Caterpillar's panel cannot make assumptions, so clearly demonstrate how your qualifications meet their criteria in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Category Buyer III. Familiarise yourself with strategic sourcing plans, supplier negotiations, and risk management. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous procurement roles, especially in off-highway engine components or similar industries. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or executed cost reduction strategies.
✨Demonstrate Strong Interpersonal Skills
Caterpillar values collaboration and integrity. Be ready to share instances where you've mediated tough situations or built trusted partnerships. This will show that you can thrive in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
As a confident negotiator, you should be prepared to discuss your approach to interpreting and executing cost and contractual agreements. Consider role-playing negotiation scenarios to sharpen your skills before the interview.
