Strategic Buyer Indirect

gea; Romeoville (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

12 paid holidays & 136 hours PTO

401(k) employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

Health Savings/ Spending Accounts

Job summary

GEA Group, a global leader in engineering solutions, is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist in the United States. You will drive category strategy, manage supplier negotiations, and ensure alignment with corporate procurement standards across divisions.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in procurement, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and experience with Ariba, S2P and SAP. This role emphasizes strategic yet tactical execution and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in economics preferred.
• Procurement or Supply chain Certification (optional).
• 5+ years' experience in procurement processes.
• Experience with Ariba, S2P and SAP.
• Experience implementing corporate procurement.
• Know-how contract management.
• Cost analysis and management.
• Strong networking across stakeholders.
• Negotiation experience.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with category managers and project procurement managers to implement category strategy.
• Adapts and implements catalogs and framework contracts at divisional/regional level per guidelines.
• Leads RFQs, negotiations, awarding decisions and supplier follow-ups.
• Executes supplier selection aligned with strategy and supplier development.
• Monitors supplier performance and drives cost, availability, innovation, and quality within sourcing plans.
• Promotes automation and digitalization in procurement processes.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

RFx translation

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in economics

Procurement/Supply chain Certification

Tools

Ariba

S2P

SAP

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 12 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

Responsibilities / Tasks

• Works closely with category managers of respective category and project procurement managers implementing the category strategy and linking it into the business
• Adapts and implements catalogues and framework contracts on Divisional/ regional level in compliance with guidelines
• Runs negotiations, manages RFQs, negotiations, awarding decisions and follow-up with suppliers, takes awarding decisions in line with category strategy
• Executes supplier selection along strategy, requirements, supplier base development, and identification of new suppliers
• Direct involvement in and solving of issues with suppliers (e.g., quality, delivery and service issues), etc.
• Monitors and communicates performance of suppliers
• Strives for automation and digitalization practices and tool improvement
• Ensures cost, availability, innovation, and quality within the sourcing plan creation and execution
• Ensures compliance with procurement process, policies and other statutory requirements within category
• Accountable for achieving agreed KPIs and their reporting
• Experience preferred in indirect category (Specific as responsible category scope)
• Predominantly works tactically - executes strategic initiatives
• Continuously optimizes procurement processes in scope of work

Your Profile / Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in economics preferred
• Procurement or Supply chain Certification (optional)
• 5+ years' experience in procurement processes
• Systems, Ariba, S2P, SAP experice
• Experience with implementation of corporate procurement
• Know-how contract management
• Cost analysis and management
• Work experience in complex organizations
• Negotiation experience
• Ability to network and build relationships
• Internal stakeholder /supplier relationship management
• Ability to translate business requirements into RFx
• Very good analytical capabilities, problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically
• Takes ownership of the work, successes and mistakes
• Very good communication skills
• Services and delivery expert
• Negotiation Expert
• Commercial/analytical and engagement skills

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $80,000 - $100,00 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.

#engineeringforthebetter