At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and strengthen our Steel Fabrication & Tube Assembly portfolio through strategic purchasing.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in construction and mining equipment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, bonuses, pension scheme, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic, diverse team culture focused on personal development and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building trusted supplier relationships and optimising performance.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience; negotiation and supplier management skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 49519 - 61899 £ per year.
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. Together, we are building a better world.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £49,519 - £61,899
Location: Peterlee, County Durham
Hours: Full-Time
Travel: Up to 25% (Domestic & Europe)
About Caterpillar Peterlee: Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat Articulated Trucks, currently producing an 8-model range used in many industries including mining, construction and aggregates.
The Opportunity: We’re looking for a driven and customer‐focused Category Buyer to shape and strengthen our Steel Fabrication & Tube Assembly portfolio, working closely with steel Fabrication & Tube assembly 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.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Developing, managing and executing the category strategy managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, 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.
- Ensure supplier capacity & supply resiliency.
- 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 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.
- Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviours.
Top candidates will have:
- Knowledge of steel fabrications and tube assemblies is desirable.
- Experience/Knowledge in Heavy Manufacturing Category Buying is desirable but not essential.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiations including contracts within steel fabrications and tube assemblies’ 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.
- Free onsite parking.
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.
Posting Dates: June 2, 2026 - June 11, 2026
Category Buyer in North East employer: Caterpillar Brazil
Caterpillar Inc. is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Peterlee, where employees are empowered to make a real impact on the world through innovative procurement strategies. With a strong focus on personal development, competitive benefits including a generous leave policy, bonus opportunities, and a commitment to sustainability, Caterpillar fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement that supports both individual and organisational growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Caterpillar and understanding their values and products. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their mission of building a better world. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It also keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Caterpillar team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, supplier relationship management, and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key for this role, don’t forget to include examples of successful negotiations you've led. We love seeing how you’ve navigated challenges and achieved great outcomes with suppliers.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, just like you’ll need in the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Brazil
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of steel fabrication and tube assembly. Understand the latest trends and challenges in the industry, as well as Caterpillar's role in it. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant results. Be ready to discuss your approach to building supplier relationships and how you’ve successfully navigated challenges. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of a Category Buyer.
✨Understand QCLDM Principles
Familiarise yourself with Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management principles. Think of specific instances where you've applied these concepts in your previous roles. This will show that you can optimise performance and add value to Caterpillar’s supply network.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Caterpillar's procurement strategies and how they manage supplier relationships. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
