What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Buyer position at GEA Group?
We are seeking a highly skilled Strategic Buyer with expertise in metalworking and fabrication for engineered equipment. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and managing supplier relationships, optimizing procurement strategies, and ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of metal components and fabricated assemblies. This role requires a deep understanding of precision machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and raw material sourcing to support manufacturing and engineering operations.
Responsibilities / Tasks
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Required Skills & Abilities:
GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
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Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.
Responsibilities / Tasks
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with category managers and project procurement managers to implement category strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Adapt and implement catalogues and framework contracts on a divisional/regional level in compliance with guidelines.
- Conduct negotiations, manage RFQs, make awarding decisions, and follow up with suppliers in line with category strategy.
- Execute supplier selection based on strategic goals, requirements, and supplier base development, including identifying new suppliers.
- Address and resolve supplier-related issues, including quality, delivery, and service concerns.
- Monitor and communicate supplier performance to ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
- Drive automation and digitalization practices, improving procurement tools and systems.
- Ensure cost optimization, availability, innovation, and quality through effective sourcing plans.
- Maintain compliance with procurement policies, processes, and statutory requirements within the assigned category.
- Accountable for achieving agreed KPIs and preparing relevant reports.
- Preferred experience in the food, dairy, or beverage industry, as well as construction and field installation projects, including quotation, competitive bidding, and procurement.
Required Skills & Abilities:
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of procurement experience in metalworking, fabrication, or engineered equipment industries.
- Strong understanding of metal fabrication processes (welding, machining, laser cutting, stamping, forming).
- Knowledge of raw materials (steel, aluminum, stainless steel, castings, forgings) and their sourcing.
- Familiarity with engineering drawings and manufacturing tolerances.
- Experience buying stainless steel tanks, vessels and ductwork.
- Ability to read and interpret manufacturing blueprints.
- Strong knowledge of supply chain management, production planning, and process improvement methodologies.
- Effective communication with stakeholders regarding schedule changes, delays, or potential issues affecting production timelines.
- Ability to monitor and enhance production performance.
- Fluent in English.
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
- Internal stakeholder and supplier relationship management expertise.
- Ability to translate business requirements into RFx documents.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Ownership mindset with accountability for work outcomes.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
- Expertise in contract negotiation and management.
- Strong commercial, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- University degree (Bachelor’s preferred, but optional).
- Procurement or Supply Chain Certification (optional).
- Experience in procurement processes.
- Knowledge of international contract management.
- Proficiency in cost analysis and management.
- Cultural awareness and experience in diverse, complex organizations.
- Strong negotiation experience.
- Experience with procurement systems such as Ariba, S2P, SAP, and ERP systems.
- 12 Paid Holidays
- PTO - Paid Time Off
- Medical Plans
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Savings and Spending Accounts
- Tuition Reimbursement
- 401k with excellent employer match
- Wellness Incentive Program
- Employee Assistance Program
GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Did we spark your interest?
Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.
