Category Buyer

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.

The Opportunity: We’re looking for a driven and customer‐focused Category Buyer to shape and strengthen our Non‐Metallic buying portfolio, working closely with plastic and rubber product suppliers supporting Caterpillar Peterlee and beyond. This role is about more than purchasing — it’s about building trusted, long‐term supplier relationships that deliver real value across our supply network. You’ll 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, you’ll 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 suppliers' conditions.
• Documenting the suppliers' 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Strategic Sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyse, improve and re-evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.

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 world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 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.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting. 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 - May 20, 2026. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.