Buyer - Fives Giddings & Lewis
BUYER – Fives Giddings & Lewis | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Join Our Team!
Fives Giddings & Lewis is actively seeking a Buyer to join our team in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Learn more about our company: www.fivesgroup.com
Position Summary
The Buyer – Fives Giddings & Lewis is responsible for managing a high volume of purchasing transactions in support of customer requirements. This role ensures critical materials and components are sourced, purchased, expedited, tracked, and delivered on time to support customer commitments and internal production schedules.
The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, proactively resolve supply chain challenges, maintain ERP data accuracy, and collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive delivery, cost, and service objectives. This position requires a strong sense of urgency, attention to detail, persistence, and a customer-focused mindset.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Manage outstanding part requirements with a focus on delivery performance, efficiency, and cost.
- Create, issue, and maintain purchase orders within SAP, ensuring accuracy of pricing, delivery schedules, and inventory data.
- Evaluate material requirements and demand signals to support customer orders and production schedules.
- Expedite purchase orders and proactively follow parts throughout the procurement and fulfillment process.
- Support Strategic Buyers with supplier lead time management, stocking strategies, and supply continuity initiatives.
- Maintain ERP system integrity through timely transaction processing, reporting, and data management.
- Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
- Partner with suppliers and internal teams to reduce lead times, improve on-time delivery, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Act as a liaison between suppliers, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Customer Service, and Operations.
- Support the resolution of invoice discrepancies, supplier credits, and procurement-related issues.
- Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement activities.
- Ensure compliance with company purchasing procedures, safety standards, and quality requirements.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, candidates should possess:
- Education: Associate degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and 3-5 years of relevant purchasing experience.
- Experience: 3-5 years of procurement, purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience purchasing engineered, technical, or complex components preferred.
- Working knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems.
- Understanding of purchasing and inventory management within a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
- Experience within the machine tool, industrial equipment, or capital equipment industries is a plus.
About Fives
Corporate Group Overview
We are part of an industrial engineering group with a heritage of more than 200 years. Fives designs and delivers machines, process equipment, and production lines for the world's largest industrial players. Across the globe, we are committed to making industry smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable.
Site Company Overview
Fives Giddings & Lewis is a recognized leader in large-scale machine tool solutions, delivering advanced machining systems and services to customers across aerospace, defense, energy, and industrial markets. This position supports the Fives Giddings & Lewis organization within the High Precision Machines Division and plays a key role in maintaining exceptional customer support and operational performance.
Business Unit Overview
Our High Precision Machines business unit designs and builds advanced machine tools and manufacturing systems enabling customers to produce complex components with unmatched precision and efficiency. Within this organization, the Buyer - Fives Giddings & Lewis provides world-class support, service, rebuilds, and performance solutions that maximize equipment reliability and productivity.
What We Offer
Fives is proud to provide a comprehensive total rewards package that may include:
- Competitive compensation
- Annual performance incentive opportunities
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Career development and training opportunities
- Employee assistance programs
- Opportunities for advancement within a global organization
- Internal mobility opportunities across North America and internationally
- Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and industry-leading products
Why Come to Fives?
By becoming part of Fives, you will be joining an international organization that provides access to numerous opportunities for growth and mobility across a wide range of industries and functions.
We will give you room to learn, grow, and develop, both professionally and personally, while contributing to innovative solutions that are shaping the future of industry.
Industry Can Do It With You!
Fives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.