Category Buyer

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 and Benefits

Salary: up to £59,000 depending on experience

Contract: Permanent

Location: Peterlee, UK

Closing Date: 11th October 2025

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 10% 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

This position is a Category Buyer responsible for the procurement of Capital Purchases (Manufacturing & Logistics). Reporting directly to the Category Procurement Manager, this role will work with operations team to define business requirements and drive global strategy that supports overall organisational objectives.

Key work activities include strategy development, managing a network of service providers, strategic sourcing to meet operational objectives, bidding process, contracts administration and driving supplier performance.

Additional Info

• This position requires the candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office
• Sponsorship & Relocation is not supported for this role
• This position requires up to 25% travel

What You Will Do

• Work with facilities engineering teams to develop best in class solutions
• Work with Caterpillar’s legal services to ensure that all contracts provide Caterpillar with appropriate legal protection
• Documenting the suppliers\’ performance on time sensitivity and production
• Procure capital equipment that meets Cat’s complex global operational and procurement standard requirements
• Key focus on strategic sourcing to ensure capacity, service and market price objectives are met
• Developing, managing, and executing the category strategy, policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs

What You Have

• Communication: Well-developed communication and presentation skills
• Interpersonal Relationships: Maintain a strong relationship with suppliers. Work with different external suppliers to address critical issues and resolve major problems for implementing supplier relationship management practices. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Negotiation and Contract Management: Lead contract negotiations with providers to achieve service and price that meet operational objectives and are in accordance with Cat’s long-term strategy
• Purchasing and Procurement: Extensive experience in project management and/or procurement as this role is the procurement lead for the development of Capital equipment and automation solutions
• Data Analytics and Strategic Sourcing: Work with various basic components of strategic sourcing, such as data analysis, market research, commodity indexation and purchasing budgets examination
• Recognise the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment
• Bachelor’s Degree

Ideally, you will have gained the following skills and experience through previous roles

• Experience in Process improvement and/or Project Management
• Industry relevant certifications (i.e. LEAN, Six Sigma, APICS, PMP)
• Advanced Degree (Business, Logistics or Supply Chain)
• Established negotiator; able to interpret, analyze, and negotiate contractual cost elements

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply