Strategic Direct Buyer

GEA Germany GmbH; Romeoville (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid holidays and generous PTO

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Health Savings/ Spending

Job summary

The GEA Group is seeking a procurement professional to drive sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships in the United States. You will negotiate contracts and guide execution aligned with category plans.

The ideal candidate has a university degree in engineering or economics and experience with procurement processes, SAP/Ariba, cost management, and risk mitigation. Emphasis on compliance and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or economics.
• Procurement experience with contract management and cost analysis.
• Experience with SAP/Ariba/S2P and supplier negotiations.
• Ability to work in complex organizations and drive procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with category managers to implement category strategy.
• Adapts and implements catalogues and framework contracts regionally.
• Leads negotiations, RFQs, awarding decisions, and follow-up with suppliers.
• Executes supplier selection and develops supplier base.
• Addresses supplier issues regarding quality, delivery, and service.
• Monitors supplier performance and drives cost reductions and automation.

Skills

Procurement knowledge

Contract management

Cost analysis

Negotiation

SAP systems

Ariba / S2P

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or economics

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
• Monitor and record supplier sustainability efforts
• Market Analysis: Continuously analyze the market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability. Keep up with trends and advancements in electrical components and materials to anticipate changes in pricing or new opportunities.
• Cost Management: Work toward reducing costs and improving efficiencies in the procurement process. Develop strategies for cost reduction, such as bulk purchasing or long-term contracts, and monitor market conditions to take advantage of price dips.
• Risk Management: Assess and manage risks associated with supplier reliance and supply chain disruptions. Develop contingency plans to ensure a consistent supply of electrical components.
• Compliance: Ensure that all procurement activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies. Stay informed about changes in legislation that may impact sourcing strategies.
• Reporting and Communication: Prepare and present reports on market analysis, cost savings, supplier performance, and other metrics. Communicate effectively with management and other stakeholders regarding procurement issues and strategies.
• This description is not designed to cover an all-inclusive list of skills, abilities, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Responsibilities, skills, and abilities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Your Profile / Qualifications

• Education and Experience: University, bachelor's degree in engineering or economics
• Procurement or Supply chain Certification (optional)
• Professional Knowledge and Experiences Experience in procurement processes Know-how contract management Cost analysis and management Cultural Awareness Experience with implementation of corporate procurement Work experience in complex organizations Negotiation experience Systems, Ariba, S2P, SAP

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,000 - $105,000 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.

#engineeringforthebetter

GEA is one of the largest suppliers of process technology for the food industry and a wide range of other industries. The international technology group focuses on process technology and components for sophisticated production processes in various end-user markets.