Automotive Program Buyer

Automotive Program Buyer

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Date:Jun 13, 2026

Location: Detroit, MI, US

Company: Leggett & Platt

We make life more comfortable.

Leggett & Platt’s overall mission is a commitment to enhance lives – by delivering quality products, offering empowering and rewarding careers, and doing our part in bringing about a better future.

Leggett & Platt’s inventive heritage and leadership in the residential products industry span more than 130 years. AsThe Components People, we are the leading supplier of a wide range of products and components for all areas of life, including mattress springs and carpet cushion, as well as bedding machinery and erosion-control products.

From aerospace tubing and fabricated assemblies to flooring underlayment and carpet cushion, Leggett & Platt has divisions that design, manufacture, and sell a variety of products. Our reliable product development and launch capability, coupled with our global footprint, make us a trusted partner for customers in the aerospace, hydraulic cylinders, flooring, textile, and geo components industries.

Learn more about the history of Leggett:

Automotive

Leggett & Platt Automotive is a global provider of wire forms, mechanical control cables, wireless charging, as well as seat lumbar, suspension, bolster, actuator, and motor systems. In addition to these award-winning, category-leading products, we offer tailored goods due to our expertise in product development and attention to market trends. Our unique competitive advantages give us unmatched insight into the demands of the consumer.

Learn more about Leggett & Platt Automotive: Leggett & Platt Automotive (

The Program Buyer is the interface between the Program Core Team and the Suppliers. Responsibe to provide

reliable cost information to the team for potential new business awards and programs within the development

phase.

Ensure the flawless launch of the programs focusing on timing and cost target.

So, what will you be doing as a Program Buyer?

· Execute category strategies within the assigned program, under the direction of Category Management.

· Deliver all major program objectives, including cost, quality, timing, and service targets.

· Prepare and present sourcing documentation for review and approval by the Sourcing Committee.

· Negotiate and execute contracts that accurately reflect sourcing outcomes and appropriately manage business and supply risks.

· Serve as the primary interface between the program team and suppliers; collaborate with Category Management to integrate suppliers early in the development process.

· Partner with selected suppliers to identify and implement design and cost-optimization opportunities.

· Manage program related costs and timing throughout product development in coordination with Supplier Development.

· Provide timely updates, insights, and support to the program core team.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

· Completed technical or business degree with strong technical aptitude, or equivalent experience.

· 5 Years’ professional experience in international procurement of technical products, preferably in the automotive sector.

· Strong communication and negotiation skills.

· Ability to perform under pressure and work effectively in global, cross-functional teams.

· Fluent in English; additional languages are an asset.

· Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Business Intelligence tools.

· Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 20%) and demonstrated intercultural competence.

· Basic understanding of commercial contract law.

· Customer-focused mindset with strong adherence to deadlines.

· Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and VDA 6.3 processes.

· Broad understanding of manufacturing processes and capability to interpret and analyze CBDs.

· Ability and willingness to source newly developed products.

Travel Requirements: about 20%

What to Do Next

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about us, what are you waiting for! Apply today and allow us the opportunity to learn more about you and the value you can bring to our team. Once you apply, be sure to create a profile, and sign up for job alerts, so you can be the first to know when new opportunities become available.

Our Values

Our values speak to our shared beliefs, and describe how we approach working together.

• Put People First reflects our commitment to safety and care of each other, learning and development, and creating an environment of mutual respect, empathy and belonging.

• Do the Right Thing focuses us on acting with honesty and integrity, delivering the results the right way, taking pride in our work, and speaking the truth – good or bad.

• Do Great Work…Together occurs when we engage without hierarchy, collaborate as a team, embrace challenges, and work for the good of all of us.

• Take Ownership and Raise the Bar demonstrates our responsibility to add value and make a difference, challenge the status quo and biases to make things better, foster innovative and creative solutions to drive impact, and explore new perspectives and embrace change.

Our Commitment to You

We're actively taking steps to make sure our culture, processes and practices promote equal opportunity for all. Join us!

We welcome and encourage all applicants to apply. We’d love the opportunity to consider you.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer

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Nearest Major Market:Detroit Job Segment: Hydraulics, Engineering

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