Strategic Indirect Buyer: Optimize Sourcing & Suppliers

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

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

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

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.…