Buyer – Fives Giddings & Lewis (Fond du Lac, WI)

Fives Machining Systems – High Precision Machines Division (HPM)

Fives Giddings & Lewis is actively seeking a Buyer to join our team in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

At Fives, we are all driven by a common calling—to prove that industry can do it! We work together daily to make industry an answer to the world’s most complex technological, environmental, and economic challenges.

For over 200 years, Fives has designed and delivered innovative solutions that improve daily life and enable sustainable industry. As part of the High Precision Machines (HPM) Division, Fives Giddings & Lewis designs and manufactures world-class machining solutions supporting industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, energy, and heavy equipment.

It is with you that industry can do it!

About the Role

We are currently seeking a Buyer who is passionate about strategic sourcing, supplier management, and supply chain optimization.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring the availability, cost-effectiveness, and performance of key commodities and suppliers to support manufacturing operations and customer delivery.

Key Responsibilities

At Fives, we all have a part to play. In this role, you will:

Strategic Procurement & Supplier Management

• Manage procurement activities for assigned commodities including sourcing, bidding, negotiation, and supplier selection
• Generate and manage requests for quotation (RFQs) and execute purchase agreements aligned with cost, quality, and delivery objectives
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and stocking strategies to optimize working capital and supply continuity
• Consolidate and rationalize the supplier base, while maintaining dual sourcing strategies for risk mitigation

Operational Execution & System Integrity

• Create and maintain purchase orders in SAP, ensuring accuracy of pricing, delivery, and inventory data
• Evaluate material requirements and demand signals to support production and aftermarket needs
• Maintain system accuracy through data analysis, transaction updates, and reporting

Supplier Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and communicate supplier performance (delivery, quality, cost)
• Partner with suppliers and internal teams (Engineering, Quality, Operations) to:
  • Reduce lead times
  • Improve on-time delivery and “want date” accuracy
  • Drive continuous cost reduction and value engineering initiatives
• Support supplier audits alongside Quality and Engineering to ensure compliance and process maturity

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison between suppliers, manufacturing, engineering, and other internal stakeholders
• Support resolution of invoice discrepancies, supplier credits, and operational issues
• Participate in continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives

Compliance, Safety & Culture

• Champion a safe and healthy work environment
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, procurement standards, and quality expectations
• Contribute to a culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence

Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field OR
• Equivalent combination of education and 3–5 years of relevant purchasing experience

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain within a manufacturing or technical environment
• Experience purchasing engineered or complex components preferred
• Machine tool or capital equipment industry experience is a plus

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration abilities
• Working knowledge of SAP or ERP systems
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement concepts
• Analytical mindset with ability to leverage data for decision-making
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced industrial environment

Why Join Fives?

By becoming part of Fives, you are joining an international industrial engineering group with opportunities for growth and mobility across North America and globally.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• 401(k) with company match
• Training, development, and internal mobility opportunities
• Strong safety culture and employee engagement programs
• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge manufacturing technologies

Our Culture

At Fives, we believe:

• Industry can drive innovation and sustainability
• People are at the center of our success
• Collaboration and continuous improvement fuel performance

Work Environment & Expectations

• Regular and predictable on-site attendance in Fond du Lac, WI
• Ability to work cross-functionally and interact with internal and external stakeholders daily
• Flexibility to support business needs, including occasional overtime if required

Join Us

If you are a results-driven Buyer with a passion for supply chain excellence, cost optimization, and supplier collaboration, we want to hear from you.

Industry can do it—with you.