Strategic Buyer -Industrial Metal Fabrication

Responsibilities / Tasks

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 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

• 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

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $75,000 - $90,000 per year.  GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not guaranteed 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 a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

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.

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.

Your Profile / Qualifications

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.
• Travel up to 30% required.

Education & Experience:

• 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, Axapta and ERP systems.

#engineeringforthebetter

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.