Buyer - Aftermarket Americas

Fives Giddings & Lewis, part of the High Precision Machines (HPM) Division, designs and manufactures world-class machining solutions for industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, energy, and heavy equipment. We are driven by a common calling to prove that industry can meet the world’s most complex technological, environmental, and economic challenges.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Buyer who thrives in a fast-paced, transactional environment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys resolving supply chain challenges and driving urgent actions to support customer needs, particularly in our Aftermarket. The Buyer manages a high volume of daily purchasing transactions, maintains accurate ERP system data, expedites orders, and proactively follows parts through the entire procurement and fulfillment process. Success requires strong follow-up skills, attention to detail, persistence, and a sense of urgency to identify and remove obstacles before they impact operations.

Responsibilities

• Procurement & Supplier Management
  • Proactively manage parts to ensure efficient delivery and cost optimization for outstanding part needs.
  • Support strategic buyers with lead times and stocking strategies to optimize working capital and supply continuity.
• 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) with the team.
  • 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration abilities.
  • Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
  • Working knowledge of SAP or ERP systems for production and parts in a high-mix/low-volume environment.
  • Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement concepts.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to leverage data for decision-making.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Benefits

• 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.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.

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.

At Fives, we believe industry can drive innovation and sustainability, with people at the center of our success. Collaboration and continuous improvement fuel performance.