Operational Buyer

GEA Group•Romeoville, IL

1d•$70,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Operational Buyer manages the procurement of a wide range of goods and services, including electronics, plastics, nylon, and rubber parts. The role sources and purchases products, negotiates with suppliers, maintains inventory levels, supports timely delivery, establishes new suppliers, and coordinates with third parties on supplier payments. The Buyer works with internal teams and strategic procurement to align purchasing with business needs, company standards, and procurement processes.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
More than 5 years of relevant experience in a related field.
Proven experience as a Purchasing Specialist or in a similar role.
Strong knowledge of procurement processes, inventory management, and supplier relations.
Analytical thinking and cost management skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Proficiency with purchasing software and Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

CPSM or C.P.M. certification.
SAP experience.

Responsibilities

Source and purchase goods and services to support timely and cost-effective acquisition.
Place orders and negotiate pricing with support from Strategic Buyers, securing favorable terms and delivery schedules.
Manage purchase orders from creation through delivery, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
Develop and maintain supplier relationships and evaluate supplier performance on quality, cost, and delivery reliability.
Address supplier performance issues, product quality concerns, and delivery delays.
Identify and assess potential new suppliers; assist Strategic Buyers with contracts and pricing and establish supplier terms.
Maintain supplier setup records, complete required documentation, and onboard suppliers to company quality standards and procurement processes.
Monitor inventory to maintain adequate stock while minimizing excess and carrying costs.
Work with sales and product management to forecast demand and adjust purchasing strategies.
Conduct inventory reviews and reconcile discrepancies.
Analyze market trends and supplier pricing to guide purchasing decisions and achieve cost savings.
Implement purchasing strategies to optimize processes and reduce costs.
Prepare and present reports on purchasing activities, cost savings, and inventory status to management.
Ensure procured goods meet company standards and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with quality control to address product quality issues and maintain accurate purchase and supplier communication records.
Coordinate with third-party service providers on invoice processing and supplier payments.
Ensure invoices are reviewed, approved, and processed promptly; resolve payment discrepancies and maintain compliance with contractual terms.
Communicate with third-party service providers to facilitate payment processes and resolve issues.
Work with product management, sales, strategic procurement, and logistics to understand needs and adjust procurement strategies.
Collaborate with the strategic procurement team for support and alignment.
Communicate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and support smooth operations.