At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for engine components and manage 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 plans and EV car lease.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on sustainable communities and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: This is a full-time office role based in Peterborough, UK.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58500 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Category Buyer III role at Caterpillar Inc.
Join to apply for the Category Buyer III role at Caterpillar Inc.
Job Description
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.
Career Area
Procurement
Job Description
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.
Job Title: Category Buyer
Salary: up to ÂŁ58,500 depending on experience
Contract: Permanent
Location: Peterborough, 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
We are seeking a buyer to join the UK Regional E&T Procurement team, to bring energy, capability and desire to develop and deliver strategic sourcing plans.
You will lead and drive the strategy execution for a variety of European sourced components, whilst managing productive commercial relationships, to deliver a cost competitive, risk mitigated sourcing strategy. If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply to join Caterpillar’s growing, and dynamic workforce!
What You Will Do
- This role is responsible and accountable for the development, communication and implementation of a category strategy, for various engine components such as tubes and fabrications
- Serve as the primary contact and lead for supplier commercial discussions and negotiations
- Ensure business continuity, supplier risk management (capacity & financial), assurance of supply, contract management, supplier on / off boarding, response time optimisation and resource management decisions
- Develop and manage a cost reduction plan for the category and promote a Zero-Defect methodology,
- Take responsibility for business proposals and risk assessment.
- Promote the highest level of professionalism and business ethics
- Collaborate with the other functions, to lead and drive continuous improvement in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development and Management (QCLDM) with key suppliers.
- Build and foster mutually beneficial supplier relationships at all organisational levels.
- Identify, qualify, and on-board new suppliers and proactively manage their seamless introduction into the business units
What You Have
- Strong Procurement experience, ideally within the off highway engine component or machine businesses. (Other areas such as Automotive or FMCG (Fast moving consumer goods) will also be considered.
- An undergraduate degree from a college or university, or equivalent experience.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills, acting with integrity in tough and emotive situations; able to mediate and reach consensus within a group environment.
- Expert communicator; proficient in building collaborative and trusted partnerships to work across an internal matrix organization and external Supplier network.
- Confident negotiator; able to interpret, analyse, and negotiate and execute cost and contractual agreements.
- Proactive and motivated to thrive in an autonomous working environment
- Excellent problem solver – strategic, inquisitive, solution focused, engaged in peer to peer support.
Ideally, you will have gained the following skills and experience through previous roles:
- Professional certification in Purchasing preferred e.g. CIPS
- Understanding of Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development and Management principles (QCLDM) principles.
- Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Caterpillar and our suppliers
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.
Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting
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. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
Posting Dates
July 14, 2025 – July 28, 2025
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Marketing and Sales
-
Industries
Construction and Machinery Manufacturing
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Category Buyer III employer: Caterpillar Inc.
Contact Detail:
Caterpillar Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer III
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Caterpillar's core values and mission. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community building will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
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 when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of your past procurement successes, particularly in areas relevant to engine components or similar industries. Being able to discuss these experiences in detail will demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and challenges in procurement, especially related to off-highway engines. Showing that you are knowledgeable about current market conditions can set you apart as a proactive candidate who is ready to contribute from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer III
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience, especially in off-highway engine components or similar industries. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Caterpillar's values and how your skills align with their mission. Mention specific examples of your negotiation skills and supplier relationship management.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and any professional certifications like CIPS. Caterpillar values integrity and teamwork, so reflect these qualities in your application.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Inc.
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Category Buyer III. Familiarise yourself with strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cost reduction strategies, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss your negotiation experiences in detail. Caterpillar values confident negotiators, so be ready to share specific examples where you successfully negotiated contracts or resolved conflicts with suppliers.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Highlight your ability to build collaborative relationships. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively within teams and managed supplier relationships, showcasing your interpersonal skills and integrity.
✨Familiarise Yourself with QCLDM Principles
Since the role involves continuous improvement in Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management, brush up on these principles. Be ready to explain how you've applied them in previous roles to drive success.