Program Buyer

Farmington Hills, MI – A leading global automotive manufacturer is seeking a Senior Program Buyer to support new product launches and advanced purchasing initiatives.

About the role

This individual will serve as the purchasing lead for new programs, managing supplier sourcing activities, cost negotiations, launch timing, and cross-functional coordination to ensure successful program execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities for new product launches from award through production
• Manage RFQs, analyze supplier quotations, and negotiate pricing and commercial terms
• Drive supplier selection and sourcing recommendations
• Coordinate purchasing deliverables to support program timing and launch milestones
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Program Management, Sales, and suppliers to resolve issues
• Track program costs, sourcing status, tooling, risks, and supplier readiness
• Support cost reduction initiatives and supplier development strategies
• Review and manage engineering changes and commercial impacts
• Serve as the purchasing representative during program reviews and launch meetings
• Ensure suppliers meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations

Qualifications

• 3+ years of purchasing, sourcing, program buying, or procurement experience
• Experience supporting new product launches in a manufacturing environment
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Proficiency with Excel and purchasing analysis tools

Preferred Background

• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience
• Program Purchasing or Advanced Purchasing experience
• Experience with RFQs, cost analysis, supplier sourcing, and launch management
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field

Why Join?

• Newly created role driven by growth
• High visibility with leadership exposure
• Direct ownership of supplier sourcing and launch activities
• Cross-functional collaboration across engineering, quality, operations, and program management
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on new product launches and purchasing strategy