Category Buyer

Job Title

Category Buyer

Peterborough / Peterlee

£49,519 per annum plus dependent upon experience.

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 10% bonus
• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double employee's contribution up to 10%
• Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.
• Optional flexible benefits including health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.

Provides supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value.

• Develop, manage, and execute the category strategy, including policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.
• Identify and pursue cost reductions, inventory reductions, and quality improvements, and assess risk of business proposals.
• Act as liaison between the organization and suppliers, communicating needs while considering production demands and supplier conditions.
• Document supplier performance on timeliness and production; maintain strong supplier relationships.

Degree or equivalent experience desired.

• Use techniques for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data to support decision-making.
• Advise stakeholders on relationships between financial performance and operational data.
• Anticipate challenges in data collection; identify trends and correlations.
• Evaluate data quality and effectiveness of analytical methods.
• Interpret risks, threats, and opportunities in predictive modeling.
• Implement business data collection processes and train junior staff.

• Provide constructive feedback without offending.
• Listen without defensiveness and use feedback to improve communication.
• Deliver oral presentations and write required reports.
• Avoid inappropriate technical jargon.
• Read non‑verbal cues.

• Explain impact of interactions with individuals and groups.
• Identify roles and responsibilities.
• Understand alternative viewpoints.
• Collaborate with departmental associates and management.
• Adapt interaction style to different situations and people.

• Aim for win‑win outcomes rather than win‑lose.
• Focus on issues, not personalities.
• Use active listening and probing techniques.
• Examine own position and present it clearly.
• Listen attentively to others’ positions.

• Administer locally relevant contracts.
• Implement protocols and procedures.
• Explain required information before contract signing.
• Review contracts for compliance with specifications and regulations.
• Create files of relevant information for vendors, customers, or contracts.

• Record documents of purchasing tasks (orders, bidding).
• Use procurement systems and tools.
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations.
• Handle basic purchasing tasks.
• Adhere to procurement process steps.

• Follow supplier relationship policies and codes.
• Communicate about contract preparation and negotiation.
• Document and analyze supplier relationship issues.
• Monitor supplier satisfaction.
• Address critical issues and resolve major problems.

• Perform basic components of strategic sourcing: data analysis, market research, budgeting.
• Identify improvement opportunities in sourcing processes.
• Conduct sourcing activities in limited environments.
• Follow relevant policies and standards.
• Assist senior sourcing professionals in multiple environments.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

June 12, 2026 - June 24, 2026

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