Strategic Direct Buyer

GEA • Romeoville, IL

11d

About The Position

The Strategic Direct Buyer works with category managers and project procurement managers to implement category strategies and connect them to business needs. The role adapts and implements catalogues and framework contracts at divisional and regional levels, in compliance with guidelines, and manages supplier selection, RFQs, negotiations, award decisions, and follow-up in line with category strategy and requirements.

The position supports supplier-base development and identification of new suppliers, addresses supplier quality, delivery, and service issues, monitors supplier performance, and seeks improvements through automation and digitalization. It is responsible for sourcing-plan execution that supports cost, availability, innovation, and quality; procurement-process and policy compliance; agreed KPI achievement and reporting; and recording supplier sustainability efforts.

Additional duties include analyzing markets and delivery systems to assess current and future material availability, tracking trends in electrical components and materials, reducing procurement costs, managing supply-chain and supplier risks, developing contingency plans, ensuring legal and policy compliance, and reporting and communicating market, cost, and supplier-performance information to management and stakeholders. The position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship.

Requirements

• University bachelor's degree in engineering or economics.
• Experience in procurement processes.
• Knowledge of contract management.
• Knowledge of cost analysis and management.
• Cultural awareness.
• Experience implementing corporate procurement.
• Work experience in complex organizations.
• Negotiation experience.
• Experience with systems including Ariba, S2P, and SAP.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Procurement or supply chain certification (optional).

Responsibilities

• Work with category managers and project procurement managers to implement category strategies and link them to the business.
• Adapt and implement catalogues and framework contracts at divisional and regional levels in compliance with guidelines.
• Manage RFQs, negotiations, supplier award decisions, and follow-up in line with category strategy.
• Select suppliers according to strategy and requirements; develop the supplier base and identify new suppliers.
• Address supplier quality, delivery, and service issues; monitor and communicate supplier performance.
• Promote automation, digitalization, and improvements to procurement tools.
• Ensure cost, availability, innovation, and quality in sourcing-plan creation and execution.
• Ensure compliance with procurement processes, policies, statutory requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Achieve agreed KPIs and report on them.
• Monitor and record supplier sustainability efforts.
• Analyze markets and delivery systems to assess current and future material availability, and track trends in electrical components and materials.
• Reduce costs and improve procurement efficiency, including developing cost-reduction strategies and monitoring market conditions.
• Assess supplier-reliance and supply-chain disruption risks and develop contingency plans to maintain a consistent supply of electrical components.
• Prepare and present reports on market analysis, cost savings, supplier performance, and other metrics.
• Communicate procurement issues and strategies to management and other stakeholders.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning on the first day.
• 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday.
• 136 hours of paid time off.
• 7% employer 401(k) match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Wellness incentive program.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts.
• Potential eligibility for a discretionary bonus and/or equity awards, subject to eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level