Procurement and Supply Chain (12 Month Placement Scheme)
CaterpillarExpected closing date: Friday, 11 December 2026
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Key Takeaways
- Undertake a 12-month placement in Procurement and Supply Chain at Caterpillar in Desford, Leicester.
- Earn £26,000 per year, with a Share Scheme, Pension, and 27 days annual leave.
- Gain practical experience across the procurement lifecycle, supporting sourcing, supplier management, and continuous improvement.
- Must be on target for a 2:2 degree in Business Management, Economics, Supply Chain/Logistics, or Data Analytics, and in your penultimate year of study.
- Applications close on December 10, 2026, with placements starting July 5, 2027.
About the Role
Caterpillar Inc. is a global leader in construction and mining equipment, engines, and industrial turbines. We are committed to driving sustainable progress and building a better world.
12 Month Placement Scheme
Discipline: Procurement and Supply Chain Location: Desford, Leicester Salary: £26,000 per year, plus Share Scheme, Pension, and 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
Eligibility: To be eligible for this placement commencing July 2027, you must be in your penultimate year of study (unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program).
What You'll Do
As part of the Resource Industries Supply Management (RISM) team, you will gain practical experience across the end-to-end procurement lifecycle. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the procurement of goods and services.
- Assisting with sourcing and RFQ activities, including gathering requirements and analysing quotations.
- Utilising procurement systems to maintain accurate records.
- Analysing supplier, spend, cost, quality, and delivery data to identify trends and opportunities.
- Supporting supplier relationship management and conducting supplier reviews.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Operations, Finance, Quality) and external suppliers.
- Contributing to process excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Supporting projects focused on supply resiliency, sustainable value, quality, compliance, and risk mitigation.
- Taking ownership of project deliverables and presenting recommendations.
You will be a fully involved team member with responsibility and accountability for key project deliverables, supported by a workplace mentor.
Who We're Looking For
- Applicants must be on target to achieve a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in Business Management, Economics, Supply Chain/Logistics, or Data Analytics.
- Self-motivated with a drive to succeed.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team and across the company.
- Natural curiosity and a desire to learn.
- Dynamism, energy, flexibility, and agility.
- Strong work ethic and personal pride.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, MS Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Creativity and ambition to drive improvements.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to learn quickly.
- Effective communication skills.
- Prior knowledge is not required; enthusiasm for development is key.
Recruitment Process
- Online Application: Complete the online form and upload your CV.
- Online Assessments & Video Interview: If selected, you will complete online assessments and a video interview.
- In-Person Assessment Centre: Successful candidates will be invited to an Assessment Centre, anticipated on 2nd February 2027.
- Offer: Following the Assessment Centre, offers will be extended to successful candidates.
Placement Start Date: 5th July 2027
Working Arrangement: This position requires working onsite five days a week.