Global Procurement - 12 Month Placement Scheme

Career Area:

Students and Graduates

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.

Global Procurement - 12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme

Discipline: Global Procurement

Location: Peterborough

Salary: £26,000, Share Scheme, Pension and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), Employee Discount Scheme & Employee Assistance Program.

 

We currently have some exciting opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar. We are looking for talented, ambitious people from various backgrounds who are interested in setting out on the road to success and in return, we will provide you the training, mentoring, and support you need to have a successful placement year.

 

*Please note that to be eligible to complete a 12-Month Industrial Placement commencing July 2027, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program. 

 

Who is Caterpillar?

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Since 1925, we’ve been driving sustainable progress and helping customers build a better world through innovative products and services. Throughout the product life cycle, we offer services built on cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise. These products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value to help our customers succeed.   

 

We have a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which we operate. Our core values (Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success. 

 

What do we do?

Power & Energy (P&E) Procurement provides Caterpillar with a sustainable competitive advantage by selecting, managing, developing, and collaborating with a worldwide supply base. With over $6.5 Billion of annual material purchases across 30+ Global facilities, placing this spend with the best external suppliers is vital to the performance of the organisation.  Delivering the lowest total cost for the materials, parts and services that our business needs is a vital element of Caterpillar’s strategy.

 

Diversity at Caterpillar

When we leverage our people's experiences, backgrounds, and cultures in an inclusive environment, we enable every individual to achieve their full potential, which drives business success. We are proud to be active partners with both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) & Women's Engineering Society (WES). We also have numerous well supported employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. 

 

What experiences can we offer you?

You will be given the opportunity to experience different aspects of Procurement, designed to provide you with an excellent foundation in the function.

 

These aspects may include:

• Facility Procurement – supporting Supply Chain and Quality departments to improve supplier performance
• Product Procurement – supporting New Product Introduction programmes
• Category Procurement – supplier relationship and performance management of engine component suppliers covering multiple Caterpillar facilities
• Cost Centre of Excellence – development of data analytics to support optimised product cost

 

You will face a wide variety of challenges and have responsibility for either NPI (New Product Introduction) programs or managing supplier accounts as you will work closely with the extended global procurement teams, engage and visit global suppliers and directly contribute to Caterpillar’s success.

 

Who are we looking for?

 

We’re looking for people who can show us a highly participative & proactive working style, and who thrive in a team of committed professionals. Great analytical & presentation skills and an ability to communicate at all levels. You should be on track to achieve a 2:2 in a one of the following subjects:

• Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Business
• Economics
• Engineering (Aeronautical, Aerospace, Agricultural, Automotive, Mechanical)

We are looking for talented, ambitious people from various backgrounds who are interested in setting out on the road to success.

 

Recruitment Process Guide

We're excited that you're considering a career with Caterpillar. Below is an overview of our Early Careers recruitment process and what you can expect at each stage.

 

Step 1: Online Application

To apply, simply complete our online application form and upload your CV before the advertised closing date.

Our team will review all submissions & we'll keep you updated and let you know as soon as possible if you've been selected to progress to the next stage.

Step 2: Online Assessments & Video Interview

If you are selected to move forward in the process, you'll be invited to complete some online assessments, followed by a user-friendly video interview. Your responses will be reviewed by the hiring team and successful candidates will then be invited to attend an in-person Assessment Centre / Interview, which we anticipate will take place on 8th December 2026 at our Peterborough facility. If possible, we recommend keeping this date available. To ensure you don't miss any communications from us, please regularly check your text, email inbox (including your spam/junk folder) and your Workday account for updates.

 

Step 3: In Person Assessment Centre

Our Assessment Centre is designed to help you showcase your potential through a range of interactive activities focused on competencies such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. We aim to make the experience engaging, inclusive, and relaxed, giving you the best opportunity to demonstrate your strengths and learn more about Caterpillar.

 

Step 4: Offer

Following the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review all feedback and make hiring decisions. We aim to communicate outcomes and extend offers to successful candidates as quickly as possible.

Placement students will begin their placement on 5th July 2027.

We look forward to receiving your application and wish you the very best throughout the recruitment process.

  

We look forward to receiving your application and wish you the very best throughout the recruitment process. Come join us!

 

NOTES:

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

• Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting. This may also include an adjustment to the application deadline date.

• This position requires working onsite five days a week.

 

 

 

 

Posting Dates:

September 23, 2026 - October 22, 2026

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

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.