Strategic Buyer

Are you ready to shape the future of sustainable industries? Join GEA and become part of a global team that's driving innovation, excellence, and impact across the food, beverage, and process sectors. GEA is one of the leading suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry and for a wide range of other process industries. Around 18,000 employees in over 60 countries contribute significantly to GEA's success: join them We offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams, and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company. GEA Homogenizer is the GEA business unit renowned for its cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions in the field of homogenization and piston pumps. Our passion for what we do drives us to excel, not only in product quality but also in creating a dynamic, smart, and modern work environment. As a global company with local roots, we are committed to bringing innovation to our community in Parma and to the world. Responsibilities / Tasks How you'll make an impact Collaborate with category managers to implement procurement strategies Lead negotiations, manage RFQs, and make awarding decisions aligned with strategy Select and develop suppliers, identifying new opportunities for growth Resolve supplier issues (quality, delivery, service) with a proactive approach Partner with local procurement teams to optimize purchasing processes Monitor and communicate supplier performance Drive automation, digitalization, and tool improvements Ensure cost efficiency, availability, and innovation in procurement activities Guarantee compliance with procurement policies and statutory requirements Contribute to the Strategic Buyer Community in Italy , fostering teamwork and communication Adapt and implement catalogues and framework contracts at divisional/regional level Key accountabilities Business Impact : Shape procurement strategy and deliver measurable cost savings Innovation & Change : Continuously improve procurement processes and drive efficiency Decision-Making Power : Define local supplier strategies, control spend, and lead supply chain improvements Communication partners Internal : Supply Chain, Production, Engineering, Global Procurement External : Suppliers Your Profile / Qualifications What sets you up for success Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Economics Experience in procurement processes Strong background in contract and quality management Solid expertise in cost analysis and management Experience in complex/matrix organizations and corporate procurement strategies Market analysis and supplier relationship management skills Fluent in English, with excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities Strong negotiation, commercial, and interpersonal skills Availability for business travel Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills Bonus points if you have Procurement/Supply Chain certification Technical drawing knowledge SAP Ariba/SAP experience What We Value Highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism Positive, courteous, and collaborative approach with colleagues and suppliers Ability to make independent decisions with minimal supervision Team spirit, fairness, and goal-oriented mindset Why GEA Here, you'll find: A truly international environment with diverse teams Opportunities for career growth and personal development A workplace that values innovation, sustainability, and excellence GEA is proudly certified as a Top Employer, confirming our commitment to employee well-being, development, and empowerment. Top Employers 2025: GEA reinforces position as one of Europe's leading employers Ready to engineer a better world with us? Apply today and let's build something extraordinary together. Did we spark your interest? Then please click apply above to access our guided application process. J-18808-Ljbffr