Strategic Buyer Indirect

GEA Group; 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

7% 401(k) employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Health Savings Accounts

Job summary

GEA Group, located in Romeoville, IL, is seeking a Strategic Buyer - Indirect to join our Procurement Team. You will work with category managers to implement category strategies, manage RFQs and contracts, and ensure cost, quality, and timely delivery.

The role emphasizes supplier selection, KPI reporting, and process optimization, with a focus on indirect categories and strategic initiatives. Strong negotiation and analytics are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics preferred; procurement experience required.
• 5+ years’ experience in procurement processes within complex organizations.
• Experience with Ariba, S2P and SAP; knowledge of contract management is a plus.
• Ability to translate business requirements into RFx and negotiate effectively.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with category managers and project procurement to implement category strategy.
• Develop and adapt catalogs and framework contracts at divisional/regional levels.
• Lead RFQs, negotiations, and awarding decisions; align with strategy.
• Select suppliers according to strategy and develop new supplier bases.
• Resolve supplier issues and monitor performance against KPIs.
• Drive automation and digitalization improvements in procurement processes.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation experience

Strategic thinking

Supplier relationship management

RFx translation

Market analysis

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Ownership mindset

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

GEA Group, located in Romeoville, IL, is searching for a Strategic Buyer - Indirect to join our Procurement Team!

Responsibilities:

• 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.

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