Category Procurement Manager

Category Procurement Manager

Full-Time 79400 - 98000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic procurement categories to enhance business performance and drive improvements.
  • Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in construction and mining equipment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, a 20% bonus, private medical, and a car allowance.
  • Other info: Dynamic career growth opportunities with a commitment to sustainability.
  • Why this job: Shape global sourcing strategies and make a real impact on supply chain excellence.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in category management and strategic sourcing required.

The predicted salary is between 79400 - 98000 £ per year.

The Opportunity

As a Category Procurement Manager, you’ll lead strategic procurement categories that directly impact business performance, delivering sustained improvements in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development and Management (QCLDM). In this role, you’ll shape global sourcing strategies, work closely with suppliers and cross‑functional teams, and play a key part in building a resilient, high‑performing supply network that supports manufacturing excellence and long‑term growth.

You will be responsible for, but not limited to:

  • Accountable for developing, communicating and executing global sourcing strategies for assigned categories.
  • Leads category management activities to drive measurable improvements across quality, cost competitiveness, logistics performance, supplier development and overall supply network performance.
  • Identifies performance gaps within the supplier base and implements structured improvement and corrective action plans to address them.
  • Partners with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance and Supply Network teams to align sourcing and category strategies with product and business priorities.
  • Applies predictive cost modelling, market intelligence and data analytics to inform sourcing strategies, supplier selection, negotiations and overall category performance.
  • Builds and manages a high‑performing global supplier network, ensuring capability, capacity, quality and compliance, while leading complex commercial negotiations and supplier agreements.

What You Can Demonstrate

  • Extensive Experience
  • Category Management: Leads end‑to‑end category strategy and execution to deliver measurable QCLDM improvements. Aligns supplier capability, sourcing strategy and product requirements to maximise business value and performance.
  • Strategic Sourcing: Designs and executes sourcing strategies, including supplier selection, contracting and negotiation. Leverages market intelligence and cost modelling to optimise cost, manage risk and strengthen supply outcomes.
  • Supplier Management – MFG: Builds and manages strategic supplier relationships to improve quality, delivery, capacity and capability. Drives supplier performance through governance, continuous improvement and strong commercial partnerships.
  • Business Intelligence: Applies data, analytics and market insight to support sourcing decisions and performance tracking. Translates data into actionable insights to improve cost, supplier performance, risk visibility and overall category effectiveness.

Top candidates will also have:

  • Demonstrates strong capability in supporting manufacturing supply chains, applying cost analysis, should‑cost modelling and market benchmarking to inform sourcing strategies and commercial decisions.
  • Operates effectively within global sourcing environments, leveraging procurement systems and digital tools to manage multi‑region supplier networks and performance.
  • Leads cross‑functional teams to deliver results, applying structured approaches to supply risk mitigation, capacity planning and supplier continuity.

What You Will Get

Caterpillar 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. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Caterpillar has a long‑standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.

Benefits:

  • 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy additional holiday
  • 20% Bonus
  • Private Medical
  • Car Allowance £625pm
  • 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
  • Employee Support Networks – join groups that offer support, connection, and a sense of community
  • Optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease, etc.

Travel: up to 25% Global. This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Category Procurement Manager employer: Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation

Caterpillar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Desford, Leicestershire, where you can lead strategic procurement initiatives that significantly enhance business performance. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous bonus structure, private medical care, and a contributory pension scheme, Caterpillar fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering you to shape your career while contributing to sustainable practices and community development.

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation

Contact Details:

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Procurement Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at Caterpillar or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Caterpillar is big on sustainability, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to green initiatives.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your data skills! As a Category Procurement Manager, you'll need to leverage analytics. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles during your discussions.

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 serious about joining the team at Caterpillar.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Procurement Manager

Category Management
Strategic Sourcing
Supplier Management
Business Intelligence
Data Analytics
Cost Analysis
Should-Cost Modelling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in category management and strategic sourcing. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven improvements in quality, cost, and supplier performance to grab our attention.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your qualifications.

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 don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation

Know Your Categories Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing. Understand the current market trends, key suppliers, and any recent changes in the industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.

Showcase Your Strategic Sourcing Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully designed and executed sourcing strategies in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to supplier selection, negotiation tactics, and how you’ve leveraged data analytics to inform your decisions. Real-life examples will make your experience tangible and relatable.

Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration

Highlight your experience working with different teams like Engineering, Manufacturing, and Finance. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to improved outcomes. This role requires strong teamwork, so showing that you can effectively partner with others will be a big plus.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in category management or supplier performance. Think through potential scenarios and prepare structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to implement corrective action plans.