Career Area:

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.

Please note: This opportunity is part of our talent pipelining activity and is not linked to an active vacancy at this time. We will be reviewing applications, assessing suitability, and shortlisting candidates in preparation for potential future roles. While there is no guarantee of a position, expressing your interest now means you'll be considered early should a suitable opportunity arise. If you're excited by the chance to join a forward-thinking team within the Building Construction Products (BCP) Division at our Desford site, we’d love to hear from you!

Job Title: Supplier Development Engineer

Salary: £47,000 to £60,000 (based on experience)

Contract: Full time & permanent

Location: Desford, Leicestershire

The Opportunity:

We’re looking for a proactive and quality-focused Supplier Development Engineer to join our team. You’ll be responsible for assessing and improving supplier performance, ensuring products meet our specifications and quality standards. You’ll work closely with suppliers through audits, evaluations, and process improvements to drive compliance and continuous improvement.

What you will do:

As a Supplier Development Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:

Assess and verify supplier compliance with quality specifications and standards

Conduct inspections and testing to identify and resolve quality issues

Develop and implement supplier evaluation and improvement processes

Lead supplier audits and produce clear, actionable quality reports

Research and assess new vendors to ensure alignment with company standards

Collaborate with suppliers to support ongoing performance improvement

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:

Extensive proficiency in:

- Planning – Tactical & Strategic

Monitor and improve manufacturing processes to support strategic goals

Apply supplier management knowledge to support tactical planning

- Analytical Thinking

Use structured problem-solving techniques to address supplier and manufacturing challenges

Apply quality tools (e.g. PPAP, APQP) to identify root causes and implement effective solutions

- Communication Skills

Communicate clearly and confidently with internal teams and external suppliers

Adapt communication style to suit both technical and non-technical audiences

- Supply Chain Management

Evaluate and manage supplier performance to optimise supply chain efficiency

Balance supplier visits with office-based planning to ensure alignment with logistics and production goals

What You May Have:

Hands-on expertise in fabrication processes, with practical knowledge of materials, manufacturing techniques, and production environments.

Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and effective coordination across stakeholders and teams.

Progressive responsibilities across key disciplines such as procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, quality, and engineering, showing a well-rounded understanding of end-to-end operations.

A data-driven mindset, with a proven ability to apply analytical thinking to problem-solving, decision-making, and driving continuous improvement.

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

What You Will Get
One Company, Limitless Opportunities

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.

Contract: Full Time

Benefits: 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays - opportunity to buy and sell, up to 10% 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, optional flexible benefits including access to dental, health & vision care plans, EV car lease etc.

Posting Dates:

August 28, 2025 - September 3, 2025

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

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