Job Description
Category Buyer – Non Metallics
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
Location: Peterlee, County Durham
Hours: Full-Time
Travel: Up to 25%-50%
About the Role
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.
Opportunity
We’re looking for a driven and customer‑focused Category Buyer to shape and strengthen our Non‑Metallic buying portfolio, working closely with plastic and rubber product suppliers supporting Caterpillar Peterlee and beyond. This role is about more than purchasing — it’s about building trusted, long‑term supplier relationships that deliver real value across our supply network. You’ll bring supply network solutions expertise, applying Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development and Management (QCLDM) principles to optimise performance and maximise value. Comfortable working in a responsive and continuously evolving environment, you’ll collaborate closely with multiple teams such as Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain, Value Chain Design and Facility Procurement teams to turn strategy into practical outcomes. This is an opportunity to make a real difference.
Key Responsibilities
* Developing, managing and executing the category strategy managing policies, agreements, source catalogues, and special procurement programs.
* Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.
* Acting as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering production demands and suppliers' conditions.
* Documenting the suppliers' performance on time sensitiveness and production; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers.
Degree Requirement
Degree in a Business-related subject, or equivalent experience.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Negotiating: Knowledge of successful negotiation concepts and techniques; ability to negotiate successfully across the organization and with external vendors and clients in a constructive and collaborative manner.
Contracts Management and Administration: Knowledge of policies, standards and processes of how to manage and administer contracts; ability to use proper processes and practices for managing and administering a variety of contractual agreements.
Purchasing Tasks and Activities: Knowledge of policies, regulations and processes of purchasing; ability to use practices and procedures for procurement of materials, components, equipment and services.
Supplier Relationship Management: Knowledge of supplier relationship management concept and strategies; ability to address critical issues to meet supplier needs and maintain engaged, partnering relationship with suppliers.
Strategic Sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing methods, technologies and processes; ability to analyse, improve and re‑evaluate organizational procurement process continuously.
Top Candidates Will Have
* Knowledge of plastics and rubber materials and processes is desirable.
* Experience/Knowledge in Heavy Manufacturing Category Buying is desirable but not essential.
* Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiations including contracts within plastics and rubber industry is beneficial but not essential.
Employee Benefits
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays including additional service days awarded every 2 years up to a maximum of 5 days.
* Up to 10% Bonus target
* Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (Contribution double by Company up to 10%)
* Share Ownership Scheme (50% company matched)
* Personalised flexible benefits
* Employee Assistance Programme
What You Will Get
We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse, and friendly team. We have a culture of openness, autonomy, support, and personal development as well as a continuous drive for improvement.
About Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc. 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. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced‑carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
Posting Dates
May 8, 2026 - May 20, 2026
Equal Opportunity Employer
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr