Operational Buyer

GEA Group

United States

On-site

USD 70,000 - 85,000

Full time

3 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

13 paid holidays + floating holiday

401(k) with 7% match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Health Savings Account

Job summary

GEA Group, a global leader in engineering solutions, seeks an Operational Buyer in the United States to manage diverse procurement activities. You will source, negotiate, and maintain supplier relationships, while coordinating with teams to ensure timely delivery and cost efficiency.

The role emphasizes inventory oversight, contract support, and adherence to quality standards, with opportunities for growth within an established, international company.

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
5+ years relevant experience in procurement or purchasing.
Certifications such as CPSM or C.P.M. are a plus.

Responsibilities

Procure a wide range of goods, negotiate terms, and manage orders.
Source suppliers, set up new vendors, and manage supplier payments.
Monitor inventory and forecast demand with sales teams.
Evaluate supplier performance on quality, cost, and delivery.
Collaborate with procurement and logistics to optimize processes.
Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cost management

Purchasing

Supplier relations

SAP experience

Communication skills

MS Office

Team player

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Purchasing software

Job description

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Working at GEA Group has significant benefits:

Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 13 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

Your responsibilities and tasks

The Operational Buyer will manage the buying of a wide range of goods and services, (example electronics, plastics, nylon, and rubber parts) This role involves sourcing and purchasing these products, negotiating with suppliers, maintaining inventory levels, ensuring timely delivery, setting up new suppliers, and working with third parties to handle supplier payments.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement and Ordering:
- Source and purchase various goods and services, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition.
- Place orders, negotiate pricing with support from the Strategic Buyers, and secure favorable terms and delivery schedules with suppliers.
- Monitor and manage purchase orders from creation through to delivery, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers.
Evaluate supplier performance based on factors such as quality, cost, and delivery reliability.
Address and resolve any issues related to supplier performance, product quality, or delivery delays.
Identify and assess potential new suppliers
Assist the strategic buyers with contracts and pricing. Establish terms with new suppliers to integrate them into the supply chain effectively.
Maintain records of new supplier setups and ensure all necessary documentation is completed.
Onboard new suppliers, ensuring they are aligned with the company’s quality standards and procurement processes.
Inventory Management:
- Monitor inventory levels of various products to ensure adequate stock while minimizing excess and carrying costs.
- Work with sales and product management teams to forecast demand and adjust purchasing strategies as needed.
- Conduct regular inventory reviews and reconcile discrepancies.
Cost Control and Analysis:
- Analyze market trends and pricing as comparison by suppliers to make informed purchasing decisions and achieve cost savings.
- Implement purchasing strategies to optimize purchasing processes and reduce costs.
- Prepare and present reports on purchasing activities, cost savings, and inventory status to management.
Compliance and Quality Assurance:
- Ensure that all procured goods meet company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with quality control teams to address and resolve any quality issues related to purchased products.
- Maintain accurate records of purchases and supplier communications.
Working with Third Parties for Supplier Payments:
- Coordinate with third-party service providers to manage aspects such as invoice processing and supplier payments.
- Ensure that all invoices are reviewed, approved, and processed in a timely manner.
- Address and resolve any discrepancies or issues related to invoice payments, ensuring accuracy and adherence to contractual terms.
- Maintain effective communication with third-party service providers to facilitate smooth payment processes and resolve any issues that arise.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with internal departments such as product management, sales, strategic procurement and logistics to understand their needs and adjust procurement strategies accordingly.
- Collaborate with the strategic procurement team for support and alignment.
- Communicate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and ensure smooth operations.

Your profile and qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Experience: +5 years relevant experience in related field. Certifications (e.g., CPSM, C.P.M.) are a plus.
Skills:
- Analytical thinking and cost management
- Proven experience as a Purchasing Specialist, or in a similar role
- Strong knowledge of procurement processes, inventory management, and supplier relations.
- SAP experience a plus
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in purchasing software's and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $70,000- $85,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States. The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

About GEA

GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry and a wide range of other process industries. Approximately 18,000 employees in more than 60 countries contribute significantly to GEA’s success – come and join them! We offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company.

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GEA is certified as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute in 19 countries in APAC & Europe. We have high scores for Leadership, Ethics & Integrity and Sustainability. Outside APAC & Europe we are also certified in Colombia and Mexico.

GEA’s heritage stretches back more than 140 years. Today, we operate in resilient customer industries with a dedicated workforce of more than 18,000 employees and conduct business with more than 150 countries.

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