At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for capital purchases and develop strategic sourcing solutions.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in building sustainable communities.
- Benefits: Up to ÂŁ59,000 salary, 25 days leave, bonuses, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that shapes the future of procurement.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and experience in procurement or project management.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 59000 ÂŁ per year.
Category Buyer page is loaded## Category Buyerlocations: Peterlee, United Kingdomtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R0000365473**Career Area:**Procurement**Job Description:****Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.**When you join Caterpillar, youâre joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do â but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We donât just talk about progress and innovation here â 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 â Non Metallics**Contract:** Permanent**Salary:** ÂŁ50,000 â ÂŁ60,000**Location:** Peterlee, County Durham**Hour**s: Full-Time**Travel:** Up to 25%**The Opportunity**Weâre looking for a driven and customerâfocused Category Buyer to shape and strengthen our **NonâMetallic buying portfolio**, working closely with plastic and rubber product suppliers supporting **Caterpillar Peterlee and beyond**. This role is about more than purchasing â itâs about building trusted, longâterm supplier relationships that deliver real value across our supply network.Youâll bring **supply network solutions expertise**, applying **Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development and Management (QCLDM)** principles to optimise performance and maximise value. Comfortable working in a **responsive and continuously evolving environment**, youâll collaborate closely with multiple teams, such as Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain, Value Chain Design and Facility Procurement teams to turn strategy into practical outcomes. This is an opportunity to make a real difference.**Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:*** Developing, managing and executing the category strategy managing policies, agreements, source catalogues, and special procurement programs.* Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.* Acting as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering production demands and suppliersâ conditions.* Documenting the suppliersâ performance on time sensitiveness and production; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers.**Degree Requirement**Degree in a Business-related subject, or equivalent experience.**Skills, experience & qualifications you will have:****Negotiating:** Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts and techniques; ability to negotiate successfully across the organization and with external vendors and clients in a constructive and collaborative manner. **Level Working Knowledge****Contracts Management and Administration:** Knowledge of policies, standards and processes of how to manage and administer contracts; ability to use proper processes and practices for managing and administering a variety of contractual agreements. **Level Working Knowledge****Purchasing Tasks and Activities:** Knowledge of policies, regulations and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment and services. **Level Working Knowledge****Supplier Relationship Management:** Knowledge of supplier relationship management concept and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationship with suppliers. **Level Working Knowledge****Strategic Sourcing:** Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyse, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously. **Level Working Knowledge****Top candidates will have:*** Knowledge of plastics and rubber materials and processes is desirable.* Experience/Knowledge in Heavy Manufacturing Category Buying is desirable but not essential.* Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiations including contracts within plastics and rubber industry is beneficial but not essential.**We offer a wide range of employee benefits including:*** 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays including additional service days awarded every 2 years up to a maximum of 5 days.* Up to 10% Bonus target* Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (Contribution double by Company up to 10%),* Share Ownership Scheme (50% company matched)* Personalized flexible benefits* Employee Assistance Programme**What You Will Get**We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse, and friendly team. We have a culture of openness, autonomy, support, and personal development as well as a continuous drive for improvement.**About Caterpillar**Caterpillar Inc. is the worldâs leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, weâve 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.Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.**Posting Dates:**May 7, 2026 â May 20, 2026Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Buyer employer: Caterpillar Brazil
Contact Detail:
Caterpillar Brazil Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that arenât even advertised yet.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Caterpillar values teamwork and innovation, so think of examples from your past that showcase these traits.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Buyer, youâll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend to build confidence.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Buyer role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement, project management, and strategic sourcing. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Donât just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how youâve improved processes or saved costs in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can make.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the position!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. Itâs the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Brazil
â¨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around capital purchases and strategic sourcing. Caterpillar is looking for someone who can demonstrate a solid understanding of these areas, so be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with their needs.
â¨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Since this role involves leading contract negotiations, prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully managed. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes, as this will show that you can meet operational objectives while aligning with Caterpillar's long-term strategy.
â¨Build Relationships
Caterpillar values strong interpersonal relationships, especially with suppliers. Think of instances where you've maintained or improved supplier relationships and be ready to share those stories. This will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and resolve issues effectively.
â¨Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with data analytics and how it applies to strategic sourcing. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles to drive decisions, improve processes, or achieve cost savings. Caterpillar wants someone who can leverage data to enhance procurement strategies.