Demo

Strategic Direct Buyer

GEA Group
Romeoville, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 10/15/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/13/2026
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

Did we spark your interest?

Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.

Salary : $85,000 - $105,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Strategic Direct Buyer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Strategic Direct Buyer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$102,515 - $131,408
Income Estimation: 
$126,565 - $173,832
Income Estimation: 
$157,409 - $240,084
Income Estimation: 
$133,664 - $167,606
Income Estimation: 
$68,535 - $86,445
Income Estimation: 
$85,531 - $109,389
Income Estimation: 
$89,042 - $103,997
Income Estimation: 
$68,535 - $86,445
Income Estimation: 
$85,531 - $109,389
Income Estimation: 
$89,042 - $103,997

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs with skills like those required for the Strategic Direct Buyer.

Click the checkbox next to the jobs that you are interested in.

  • Commodity Management Skill

    • Income Estimation: $89,042 - $103,997
    • Income Estimation: $128,057 - $151,890
  • Contracts Management & Administration Skill

    • Income Estimation: $85,771 - $107,661
    • Income Estimation: $86,776 - $120,837
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at GEA Group

  • GEA Group Columbia, MD
  • 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. ... more
  • 7 Days Ago

  • GEA Group Romeoville, IL
  • Responsibilities / Tasks Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Have a Safety 1st mentality. Pick/Pack ordered items from storage locations using RF Scanners a... more
  • 7 Days Ago

  • GEA Group Romeoville, IL
  • 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. ... more
  • 7 Days Ago

  • GEA Group Columbia, SC
  • Responsibilities / Tasks Assist with preparing journal entries and related supporting documentation. Support balance sheet reconciliations and investigate ... more
  • 8 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Strategic Direct Buyer jobs in the Romeoville, IL area that may be a better fit.

  • GEA Group Romeoville, IL
  • 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. ... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • SkyChefs Des Plaines, IL
  • Job Title: Planner Direct Materials / Buyer Job Location: Des Plaines-USA-60016 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $14.25 - 22.27 per hour About us ... more
  • 2 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!