Job Summary
As part of the CECO Environmental family of brands, Aarding Thermal is an industry-leading gas turbine exhaust system supplier for power and petrochemical plants. We develop, design, built and deliver equipment to major OEMs, EPC's, and plant owners world-wide.
The strategic buyer is responsible for purchasing in the assigned geographic region of raw materials, parts, and subcontracted fabrication for engineering projects. This position oversees the overall procurement process starting with identifying (future strategic) needs including input on the sales process regarding costs and available capacity and owns all sourcing activities from supplier selection until close-out.
The strategic buyer builds and maintains a network of suppliers and sub-contractors, creating technical enquiries (RFQ), soliciting & evaluating bids, negotiations, issuing and managing purchase orders and contracts including closeout and invoicing. The strategic buyer will liaise with stakeholders on all procurement-related activities. One of the primary goals for this role is to maximize value creation by identifying and leveraging competitive advantages and highlighting and implementing best in class global sourcing solutions.
Your Responsibilities Will Be:
• Execute sourcing and purchasing activities for raw materials, components, and outsourced fabrication in line with project and operational requirements.
• Prepare and issue RFQs, evaluate supplier bids, and lead commercial negotiations on pricing, lead times, and terms.
• Select, qualify, and maintain relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, with a strong focus on reliability, quality, and cost optimization.
• Manage the full purchase order lifecycle, including order placement, follow-up, expediting, invoicing, and close-out.
• Coordinate subcontracted manufacturing activities from initial scope definition through final delivery.
• Work closely with Project Management to ensure purchased goods and services are delivered on time, within budget, and according to specifications.
• Support Engineering and Sales by providing input on material costs, sourcing options, lead times, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Monitor and drive supplier performance, addressing delivery, quality, and cost issues in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to supplier consolidation initiatives and identify best-cost sourcing opportunities.
• Maintain accurate procurement data in ERP systems and ensure compliance with company policies and contractual obligations.
• Build long-term, collaborative supplier relationships while maintaining a strong execution focus.
Required Qualifications:
• A bachelor's degree in business or a related field and 5 plus years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Successful, multi-year track record in Project Procurement.
• Good basic understanding about manufacturing technologies, especially regarding fabrication technology for steel structures/components.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills (multiple complex analyses simultaneously).
• Strong planning/project management and negotiating skills are essential.
• Prior experience in the Engineer-to-Order, and/or commercial industrial manufacturing industry is required.
• A team player with a bias for action and driving projects to completion.
Licensing or Certifications:
• None required; certifications are a plus.
Travel Requirements:
• Travel required. Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed to support assigned business lines(s) - approximately 10-25% of time.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Regardless of travel requirements, the role includes mandatory in office obligations.
ADA Requirements:
Work Environment: Working in a dynamic office environment with a focus on administrative processes, customer contact, and internal collaboration.
• Traveling by plane or car to national and international locations for customer and/or supplier visits, including visiting large sites to monitor progress, coordinate technical matters, and/or support suppliers.
• Compliance with company attendance standards.
• Extended periods of desk-based work, including typing and document handling.
Site visits may involve walking long distances, standing for prolonged periods, and safely accessing construction areas with uneven surfaces.
We Offer:
We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and much more.
At CECO, we are committed to a culture where every employee is valued and respected for their unique experiences and perspectives. We believe a diverse and inclusive work environment contributes to the rich exchange of ideas and diversity of thoughts, that inspires innovation and brings the best solutions to our customers.
