Category Buyer (Metal Components) Full Time

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 (Metal Components)

Salary: £57,700 to £72,000 based on skills demonstrated

Contract: Full time & permanent

Location: Desford, Leicestershire

The Opportunity

As a Category Buyer for metal components, you will shape and deliver category strategies that maximise value across quality, cost, logistics, development, and supplier performance. Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, the role plays a key part in strengthening the supply network, managing risk, and driving sustainable commercial outcomes.

As a Category Buyer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:

• Develop, manage, and execute the category strategy, including sourcing approaches, supplier agreements, and special procurement programmes.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, inventory optimisation, and quality improvement, while assessing commercial risk and robustness of business proposals.
• Act as the primary interface between the business and suppliers, balancing production requirements with supplier capability and capacity.
• Lead and support supplier performance management, including delivery, responsiveness, and ongoing relationship development.
• Support negotiations and contracting activities, ensuring alignment with organisational policies and commercial objectives.
• Use data and supplier insight to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement across the category.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

What You Can Demonstrate

Level Working Knowledge

• Interpersonal Relationships: Works effectively across functions and with external partners, influencing outcomes, managing differing priorities, and maintaining credibility and trust.

Level Extensive Experience

• Effective Communications: Communicates clearly with suppliers and internal stakeholders, tailoring messages to the audience to support negotiation, alignment, and informed decision‑making.
• Strategic Sourcing: Applies strategic sourcing principles across negotiations, contracting, and supplier selection, contributing to category strategy execution and continuous improvement.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Builds and maintains productive supplier relationships, addressing performance issues, resolving challenges, and supporting long‑term partnership and continuity of supply.

What You May Have

• Brings an understanding of metal component supply and manufacturing to support sound sourcing and risk decisions.
• Applies commercial judgement to negotiations and supplier decisions, balancing cost, quality, and risk.
• Works confidently across teams and regions to align suppliers with business and production needs.
• Uses cost and performance data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

Just a quick heads-up: We start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, so if you’re interested, don’t wait too long! We may close the advert early if we feel we’ve got a strong pool of potentially suitable applicants.

Don’t miss out, get your application in soon!

What You Will Get

Caterpillar 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. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.

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. It is part of who we are and what we do. 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, Private Medical, 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

Travel: up to 25% to include global travel

Posting Dates

April 16, 2026 – May 1, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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