At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement categories to enhance quality, cost, and logistics.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in manufacturing with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Relocation support available; dynamic role with up to 25% travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global sourcing strategies and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strategic sourcing is essential.
The predicted salary is between 79400 - 98000 £ per year.
As a Category Procurement Manager, you will 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.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Accountable for developing, communicating and executing global sourcing strategies for assigned categories.
- Lead category management activities to drive measurable improvements across quality, cost competitiveness, logistics performance, supplier development and overall supply network performance.
- Identify performance gaps within the supplier base and implement structured improvement and corrective action plans.
- Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance and Supply Network teams to align sourcing and category strategies with product and business priorities.
- Apply predictive cost modelling, market intelligence and data analytics to inform sourcing strategies, supplier selection, negotiations and overall category performance.
- Build and manage a high‑performing global supplier network, ensuring capability, capacity, quality and compliance, while leading complex commercial negotiations and supplier agreements.
Experience Level
- 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
- Demonstrated strong capability in supporting manufacturing supply chains, applying cost analysis, should‑cost modelling and market benchmarking to inform sourcing strategies and commercial decisions.
- Operated effectively within global sourcing environments, leveraging procurement systems and digital tools to manage multi‑region supplier networks and performance.
- Led cross‑functional teams to deliver results, applying structured approaches to supply risk mitigation, capacity planning and supplier continuity.
Travel Up to 25% global.
Workspace Position requires onsite work five days a week.
Relocation Relocation is available for this position.
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy additional holiday.
- 20% bonus.
- Private medical insurance.
- Car allowance £625 per month.
- 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.
Equal Opportunity Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Category Procurement Manager in Desford employer: Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar is an exceptional employer located in Desford, Leicestershire, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Category Procurement Manager, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust bonus structure, alongside opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that drive business performance. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, Caterpillar fosters a supportive environment where employees can thrive and contribute to the company's long-term success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Procurement Manager in Desford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Caterpillar Inc..
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Procurement Manager in Desford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Caterpillar Inc.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Caterpillar Inc.. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Caterpillar Inc..
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Inc.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Caterpillar Inc.!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Caterpillar Inc.. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Caterpillar Inc.'s culture.
