Job Title
Category Buyer (Metal Components)
Salary
£57,700 to £72,000 based on skills demonstrated
Contract
Full time & permanent
Location
Desford, Leicestershire
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.
Responsibilities
* 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.
Qualifications
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.
Benefits
* 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with opportunity to buy additional holiday.
* Private medical insurance.
* 12% bonus.
* Contributory pension scheme – company matches up to 10%.
* Contributory share scheme – company matches 50% of employee contribution.
* Employee support networks.
* Optional flexible benefits, including private health and dental plans, EV car lease.
* Travel up to 25% global travel.
EEO Statement
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
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