Category Buyer

Category Buyer

Shrewsbury Full-Time 42000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage IT Professional Services & Telecoms procurement strategies and supplier relationships.
  • Company: Caterpillar Inc. is a global leader in construction and mining equipment, committed to sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, up to 12% bonus, and flexible benefits like health care and EV car lease.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on sustainable communities and innovative solutions.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Business Management, Finance, or IT; strong data analytics and negotiation skills required.
  • Other info: Work in Shrewsbury, UK, with a competitive salary up to £58,500 based on experience.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 70000 £ 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, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Salary: up to £58,500 (depending on experience)

Location: Shrewsbury, UK

This position requires the candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.

Benefits:

  • 25 days annual leave
  • Up to 12% 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: Caterpillar Financial Services Division (Indirect services) is looking to add an IT Professional Services & Telecoms Category Buyer who will provide supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value. The IT Professional Services & Telecoms Category Buyer will act as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering internal Stakeholder and Business Unit demands.

What You Will Do:

  • Developing, managing, and executing the IT Professional Services & Telecoms Category strategy managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.
  • Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, improved service levels and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.
  • Manage the global IT professional services & Telecoms supplier relationship.
  • Mentor and develop other procurement professionals and promote the highest level of professionalism and business ethics.

What You Have:

  • Data Analytics and Negotiating skills
  • 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.
  • 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 and Effective Communication
  • Ability to handle a substantial flow of IT purchasing projects with challenging/expedited deadlines.
  • Degree preferably in Business Management, Finance, Purchasing, IT, or equivalent purchasing professional qualification or progressive experience in sourcing/purchasing for Indirect or Direct in relation to IT or professional services.

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

  • Demonstrated understanding of category deliverables, savings commitments, milestones and obligations, and establish a project plan to meet them.
  • Analytical, problem solving, and project leadership expertise.
  • Maintain knowledge of current IT trends, vendor capabilities and changes within the technology landscape for traditional and emerging solutions.
  • Manage and optimizing supplier performance including contract compliance, continuous improvement, innovations, and reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO).
  • Established negotiator; able to interpret, analyze, and negotiate contractual cost elements.

What You Will Get: Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. You will benefit from a very competitive compensation and benefits package, career development and training opportunities, from a globally-renowned company which is driven by its core values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

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 nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future.

Category Buyer employer: Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Inc. is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a competitive salary of up to £58,500 along with generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for career development. Located in Shrewsbury, the company fosters a collaborative work culture where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront, empowering employees to make a meaningful impact in building a better world.
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Contact Detail:

Caterpillar Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Buyer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Caterpillar's core values: Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment, and Sustainability. During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the latest trends in IT professional services and telecoms. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions and emerging technologies will help you engage in meaningful conversations with interviewers and showcase your expertise.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in supplier relationship management and negotiation. Highlighting successful projects where you've achieved cost savings or improved service levels can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former employees of Caterpillar, especially those in procurement roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer

Data Analytics
Negotiation Skills
Contract Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Effective Communication
Project Management
Analytical Problem Solving
Knowledge of IT Trends
Cost Reduction Strategies
Continuous Improvement
Understanding of Procurement Processes
Ability to Manage Multiple Projects
Business Ethics
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Category Buyer role. Focus on your data analytics, negotiation skills, and any previous procurement experience, especially in IT or professional services.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Caterpillar's values and how your background fits the role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or executed procurement strategies.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly outline your educational background and any professional qualifications related to business management, finance, or purchasing. If you have certifications in procurement or supply chain management, be sure to include them.

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Discuss your analytical skills and how you've used them to improve service levels or reduce costs in procurement projects.

How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Inc.

✨Research Caterpillar's Values

Before your interview, take some time to understand Caterpillar's core values such as Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment, and Sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples from your past experiences.

✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

As a Category Buyer, negotiation is key. Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Highlight your analytical approach and how you achieved cost savings or improved service levels through effective negotiation.

✨Demonstrate Supplier Relationship Management

Be ready to discuss your experience in managing supplier relationships. Provide examples of how you've optimised supplier performance, ensured contract compliance, and driven continuous improvement in previous roles.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Since this role involves IT Professional Services and Telecoms, brush up on current IT trends and vendor capabilities. Expect technical questions related to procurement processes and be ready to discuss how you would handle various purchasing projects.

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