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, bonuses, private medical, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Relocation available; work in a dynamic environment with limitless career opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape global sourcing strategies and make a real impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in category management and strategic sourcing required.
The predicted salary is between 79400 - 98000 £ 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.
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.
As a Category Procurement Manager, 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:
- Category Management: Leads end-to-end category strategy and execution to deliver measurable QCLDM improvements.
- Strategic Sourcing: Designs and executes sourcing strategies, including supplier selection, contracting and negotiation.
- Supplier Management – MFG: Builds and manages strategic supplier relationships to improve quality, delivery, capacity and capability.
- Business Intelligence: Applies data, analytics and market insight to support sourcing decisions and performance tracking.
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: One Company, Limitless Opportunities. 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. 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, 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
Caterpillar Inc. is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. Located in Desford, Leicestershire, the company offers a range of benefits including generous annual leave, a competitive bonus structure, and opportunities for professional development across various career paths. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement, Caterpillar empowers its workforce to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally.
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 industry, attend events, and connect 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 the company and its culture. Caterpillar values sustainability and teamwork, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your skills and how they relate to the role of Category Procurement Manager. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management to stand out.
✨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 Caterpillar team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and strategic sourcing, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive improvements in quality, cost, and logistics.
Showcase Your Skills:Use the job description as a guide to showcase your skills. Mention your expertise in supplier management and data analytics, and how you've applied these in previous roles. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, be clear and concise. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. We want to understand your qualifications and experience without having to sift through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing. Understand the market trends, key suppliers, and any recent developments in those areas. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you've previously developed and executed sourcing strategies. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to align supplier capabilities with business needs. This will demonstrate your strategic mindset and how you can contribute to Caterpillar's goals.
✨Highlight Your Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills
Caterpillar values teamwork across various departments. Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully partnered with engineering, finance, or manufacturing teams. This will highlight your ability to work collaboratively and drive results in a complex environment.
✨Bring Data to the Table
Since data analytics is crucial for this role, prepare to discuss how you've used data to inform your sourcing decisions. Whether it's predictive cost modelling or market intelligence, showcasing your analytical skills will set you apart as a candidate who can make informed decisions.
