Caterpillar Inc.
Category Buyer
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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.
We’re looking for a Category Buyer to join our Procurement team and help drive value across our supply network through strategic sourcing, supplier management, and category leadership. Whether you are looking to build on your procurement experience or take the next step in your career, this is an excellent opportunity to work in a collaborative and commercially focused environment where your decisions will have a direct impact on cost, quality, supplier performance, and business success.
Why This Role Matters
As a Category Buyer, you will play a key role in developing and executing category strategies that deliver value across the supply network. By working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, you will help ensure the business benefits from competitive sourcing, strong supplier relationships, and effective risk management.
What You Will Do
- Develop and execute category strategies, including supplier agreements, sourcing initiatives, and procurement programs
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, inventory optimization, and quality improvement while assessing associated business risks
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, acting as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and the supply base
- Monitor and evaluate supplier performance, driving improvements in delivery, quality, and overall effectiveness
- Support contract administration activities and ensure compliance with procurement policies and processes
- Utilize data and market insights to support sourcing decisions and continuous improvement initiatives
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What You Bring
Supplier & Stakeholder Management
- Ability to build productive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across different functions and teams
Communication & Influencing
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present ideas clearly and effectively
- Confidence in influencing decisions and navigating discussions with a variety of stakeholders
Negotiation & Commercial Awareness
- Ability to negotiate constructively while balancing business objectives and supplier relationships
- Commercial mindset with an understanding of cost, quality, risk, and operational impact
Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and support decision-making
- Proactive mindset focused on continuous improvement
- Structured approach to investigating issues and identifying practical solutions
Your Background
- Degree or equivalent experience preferred
- Experience in procurement, purchasing, sourcing, supply chain, or a related business function
- Experience working with suppliers and supporting commercial or operational decision-making
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other business systems and tools
- Fluency in English
Top Candidates Will Also Have
- Experience developing and implementing category or sourcing strategies
- Knowledge of supplier relationship management principles and practices
- Experience working with contracts, supplier agreements, and procurement processes
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Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.
What We Offer
- Salary: Gross £57,737 - £72,171 (depending on experience)
- Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Opportunity to buy additional holiday
- 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
- 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.
Additional Information
- On-site presence is required
- This role involves up to 25% travel
- This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Posting Dates: Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
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There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.
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