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 $90,000 - $110,000 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.
As a Project Procurement Manager (PPM) at GEA, you will play a vital role in driving procurement strategy and execution for complex, large-scale projects within the food and dairy sectors. In this cross-functional role, you'll be actively engaged from pre-sales to project execution, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budget targets.
The PPM works closely with Sales Managers, Application Engineers, and Project Directors to create accurate cost estimates, develop procurement strategies, and execute contracts that deliver value. You will also take ownership of critical supplier negotiations, track supplier performance, and resolve procurement-related risks, delays, or quality concerns.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the lead procurement contact for all internal and external stakeholders during pre-sales and project execution phases.
- Ensure early procurement involvement during pre-sales to support accurate budgeting and scope planning.
- Capture qualitative and quantitative project requirements (e.g., equipment lists, preferred vendors, surface treatment, performance guarantees, warranties, liquidated damages, etc.).
- Collaborate with Strategic Buyers and Category Managers to secure sourcing support and supplier alignment.
- Support the Make-or-Buy decision process, providing input on sourcing strategy and cost implications.
- Evaluate prequalified bidders, lead supplier negotiations, and award subcontractor packages.
- Monitor fabrication and supplier timelines, proactively identifying and mitigating delivery risks.
- Ensure adherence to quality standards in collaboration with the Project Management and QA teams.
- Partner with Contract Managers for complex contract negotiations and the closure of high-volume purchase orders.
- Provide timely procurement progress updates to Project Teams.
- Coordinate with Global Supply Chain and North America (NAM) Logistics to manage transport, import/export regulations, and receipt of goods.
- Support the implementation of category strategies and framework agreements at the divisional and regional levels.
- Lead supplier performance reviews, monitor KPIs, and resolve delivery, quality, or service issues.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies, processes, and external regulations.
- Perform additional tasks as needed to support project success.
Your Profile / Qualifications
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
Experience:
- 10+ years of experience in procurement or project management within complex, high-value capital projects.
- Background in international contract negotiation and supplier relationship management.
- Strong understanding of engineering, fabrication, and assembly processes.
- Familiarity with supplier markets, especially construction and installation services, preferred.
- Prior experience working on global, cross-functional project teams is strongly preferred.
Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
- Commercial, legal, and financial acumen.
- Proficiency in SAP, SAP Ariba, or equivalent ERP systems.
- Ability to manage risks, drive cost efficiencies, and deliver results under tight timelines.
- Culturally aware with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
At GEA, we don't just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.
#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.