Senior Director - Purchasing U.S.

GEA Group

Romeoville (IL)

On-site

USD 130,000 - 160,000

Full time

14 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

13 paid holidays + floating holiday +

136 hours of PTO

7% 401(k) employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

Health Savings Account

Job summary

GEA Group is seeking a Strategic Buyer to lead procurement activities for the US & LAM markets. You will manage direct and indirect procurement, negotiate long-term contracts, and align supplier performance with cost and delivery targets.

The role demands 5+ years in multinational supply chain roles, strong contract management, and ability to navigate complex matrices. A result-driven mindset and leadership in procurement are essential.

Qualifications

At least 5 years multinational Supply Chain (Procurement, Planning, Warehousing, Logistics) experience.
Experience in leading and implementation of corporate Supply Chain networks.
Proven know-how of supply/demand planning, warehousing and logistics.
Work experience in complex matrix and centralized organizations.
Deep understanding of business and change-management.
Profound know-how of contract management and negotiation with global suppliers.

Responsibilities

Develop and drive procurement activities for the local FT organization.
Develop and drive procurement activities for the GEA US & LAM Market and support LAM Hygiene site for strategic procurement needs.
Responsible for direct and indirect procurement.
Lead negotiations and long-term vendor contracts.
Ensure availability of resources and materials, meet cost and delivery targets.
Coordinate supplier performance and achieve high delivery and low spend.

Skills

Supply chain management

Contract management

Project management

Negotiation

Supplier management

Change management

Education

Master/bachelor’s degree in business administration/engineering or equivalent

Tools

e-Auction tools

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.

Benefits

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

Work on strategic vision and initiatives for FT US & LAM
Develop and drive procurement activities for the local FT organization in America’s
Develop and drive procurement activities for the GEA US & LAM Market and support LAM Hygiene site for strategic procurement needs.
Responsible for direct and indirect procurement
Negotiate, involved in long term vendor contracts
Secure availability of resources and materials, achieve the required performance targets in terms of cost and delivery time.
Synchronize the requirements of local production with the flow of materials from suppliers in order to achieve a balance between, high delivery performances, low working capital, and low spend.
Manage Continuous Improvement of procurement processes and structure (strategy, methods, tools, personnel development, etc.)
Ensure compliance to QHSE regulations.
Support the execution of the special global supply chain strategic projects as it relates to the local operation.
Manage and coordinate key suppliers, assess supplier quality, secure priorities, availability of products and materials.
Define pricing and contractual conditions, negotiate discounts and define terms of payment with suppliers.
Set and control saving targets for the relevant categories and track Implementation of cost reduction projects, ensure standard spend and savings reporting.
Develop and procurement team by special training in negotiations or using e-Auction tools
Develop and implement a performance measurement system to manage the savings, on time delivery and quality of the suppliers
Understand the customer needs and their specific requirements (Farm Business)
Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and material requirements
Lead projects for Make or Buy and drive for decisions & implementation.
Identify and assess key strategic suppliers.
Perform other tasks as required.

Key Accountabilities:

Develop and drive procurement activities for the local FT organization.
Develop and drive procurement activities for the GEA US & LAM Market and support LAM Hygiene site for strategic procurement needs.
Responsible for direct and indirect procurement
Will support $125M in annual purchase both direct and indirect for US and LAM market
Develop purchasing organization and teams to work on a day-to-day basis and at strategic level

Your profile and qualifications

Educational Background:

Master/bachelor’s degree in business administration/ engineeringor equivalent educational level or

Professional Knowledge:

At least 5 years multinational Supply Chain (Procurement, Planning, Warehousing, Logistics) experience
Experience in leading and implementation of corporate Supply Chain networks
Profound know how of supply/demand planning, warehousing and logistics
Work experience both in complex matrix and centralized organizations
Deep understanding of business
Experience in change-management
Profound know how of contract management
Profound project management skills
Negotiation experience across the global supplier markets
Experience in supplier management

Other Skills and Competencies:

English (proficient), preferably local language (fluent)
Deep understanding of business on a broad international scale with developed focus on customer needs and fulfilment of customer expectations
Open-minded and solution oriented, strong problem solving skills
Team player, good net-worker and negotiator
Very good communication skills
Strong customer orientation

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $130,000 - $160,000 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’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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