Caterpillar Inc.
Category Buyer (Metal Components)
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Job Title: Category Buyer (Metal Components)
Career Area
Procurement
Introduction
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 and more sustainable communities.
Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
The Opportunity
Salary: £57,700 to £72,000 (based on skills demonstrated) Contract: Full-time & permanent Location: Desford, Leicestershire
As a Category Buyer for metal components, you will support the development and delivery of category strategies that maximise value across:
- Quality
- Cost
- Logistics
- Development
- Supplier performance
You will work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, playing a key role in:
- Strengthening the supply network
- Managing risk
- Driving sustainable commercial outcomes
Accountabilities
- Supporting the delivery of category strategies and providing insights to drive value and continuous improvement.
- Leading or supporting sourcing activities, including:
- Supplier selection
- Negotiations
- Contract implementation
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with internal stakeholders to:
- Understand business needs
- Ensure procurement activity is aligned
- Managing supplier performance, addressing issues and driving improvements.
- Ensuring supply continuity through proactive risk management and supplier engagement (wherever feasible).
- Maintaining accurate procurement documentation and ensuring compliance with internal processes and policies.
Note: Recruitment panels cannot make assumptions when shortlisting. Therefore, candidates must clearly demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience in their CV according to the outlined criteria.
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What You Can Demonstrate
(Level: Working knowledge)
Core Skills
- Effective Communications: Clear and confident communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders, adjusting messaging for negotiation, alignment, and informed decision-making.
- Interpersonal Relationships: Building strong, trusting relationships across departments and with external partners. Expected to influence outcomes, prioritise effectively, and maintain credibility.
- Strategic Sourcing: Applying strategic sourcing principles to negotiations, contracts, and supplier selection, supporting category strategies and continuous improvement.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Developing and sustaining effective supplier relationships, addressing performance issues and resolving challenges for long-term partnerships and continuity of supply.
What You May Have
(Optional but valued)
- In-depth understanding of metal component supply and manufacturing, supporting effective sourcing decisions and risk management.
- Sound commercial judgement during negotiations and supplier decisions, balancing cost, quality, and risk.
- Confidence working across teams and geographies to align supplier capabilities with both business and production needs.
- Ability to use cost, market, and performance data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
Additional Notes
(Advert closing subject to volume)
Notice: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. If you’re interested, don’t wait—this advert may close early if a strong applicant pool is identified.
What You Will Get
One Company, Limitless Opportunities
As the world's leading manufacturer of:
- Construction and mining equipment
- Off-highway diesel and natural gas engines
- Industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives Caterpillar operates throughout three primary segments:
- Construction Industries
- Resource Industries
- Energy & Transportation We also offer:
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27 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Option to buy additional holidays Flexible benefits including:
- Private health and dental care
- EV car lease
Additional Opportunities:
- Caterpillar Financial Products segment
- Career development in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and beyond
Our Sustainability Commitment
Sustainability is one of five core Values in Action for Caterpillar—it’s part of our DNA. We lead green initiatives to:
- Protect the environment
- Support the Caterpillar Foundation’s efforts to reduce poverty
- Build stronger local communities
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Flexibility: Buy additional holiday time
- 10% bonus
- Contributory pension scheme (Caterpillar will double your contribution, up to 10% of your salary)
- Contributory share scheme (Caterpillar will match 50% of your contribution)
- Employee Support Networks for connection, sense of community and support teams
- Optional Flexible Benefits (including private health/dental coverage)
- Access to Employee Assistance Programs or other discretionary perks
Travel Allowances
Up to 25% travel budget (acceptable internally for global assignments as required)
Family-Friendly: This roles requires working onsite 5 days per week.
Posting Dates
June 30, 2026 – July 14, 2026
Diversity & Inclusion
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
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