Operations Buyer

Date: Mar 11, 2026

Location: Grand Rapids, MI, US

Company: Leggett & Platt

We, at Leggett & Platt Inc., are searching for an Operations Buyer within our Supply Chain – Procurement team to help support our Work Furniture business. In our Furniture Components business, we design, manufacture, and distribute a wide range of components and finished products that enhance comfort, motion, and style in upholstered furniture, including recliner mechanisms, seating support systems, and sofa sleeper units. With a global footprint that includes international manufacturing, product development, distribution, and sales, we are strategically positioned to support upholstered furniture manufacturers around the world.

Leggett & Platt is North America’s leading independent manufacturer of office furniture components and mechanisms. Our Work Furniture business produces task and finished components, as well as select lines of private‑label finished seating. From surface‑critical bent tube assemblies and molded plywood components to chair mechanisms, bases, arms, seats, and backs, Work Furniture brings diverse world‑class manufacturing capabilities together in the production and assembly of high‑quality contract furniture products.

As an Operations Buyer, you will have the opportunity to directly influence material availability, supplier performance, and production flow. Your contributions will have a direct impact on the business by ensuring the right materials are sourced at the right time, cost, and quality—supporting efficient operations and strong customer delivery performance. The team you will be working with is collaborative, detail‑oriented, and solutions‑driven, and values continuous improvement, strong communication, and a proactive mindset.

 

So, what will you be doing as an Operations Buyer?

  • Initiating purchases of products, materials, and inventory using critical thinking to ensure accuracy and alignment with operational needs.
  • Managing inventory levels to achieve targeted turns and service levels.
  • Establishing and maintaining productive supplier relationships; evaluating suppliers, obtaining quotes, negotiating terms, and resolving disputes related to shipments, quality, or cost.
  • Reviewing and analyzing vendor performance data to support purchasing decisions and future sourcing strategies.
  • Recommending and implementing cost‑reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Monitoring raw material price trends to support supplier negotiations.
  • Supporting new product development by providing cost data, supplier recommendations, scoring information, and lead‑time insights.
  • Collaborating with customer service, production, engineering, and quality teams to align purchasing activities with operational needs and resolve daily issues.
  • Ensuring compliance with Leggett & Platt purchasing policies and all applicable governmental regulations, including tariffs, customs, and importation laws.
  • Maintaining accurate SKU data in the ERP system, including product cost, lot sizes, MOQs, lead times, safety stock, and vendor information.
  • Analyzing ERP and MRP data trends to determine future order quantities based on safety stock, production capacity, customer demand, and supplier lead times.

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

  • Excellent analytical and mathematical skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.
  • Proficiency in Excel and ERP systems.
  • Effective communication and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • 3–5 years of experience in procurement or operations buying.

Things we consider a plus:

  • Experience with Syteline or similar ERP systems.
  • Background in manufacturing or supply‑chain‑driven environments.
  • Exposure to supplier performance management or cost‑reduction initiatives.

 

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 for each other, learning and development, and creating an inclusive environment of mutual respect, empathy, and belonging.
  • Do the Right Thing focuses us on acting with honesty and integrity, delivering 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, foster innovative solutions, and embrace change.

Our Commitment to You

We're actively taking steps to make sure our culture is inclusive and that our processes and practices promote equity for all. Leggett & Platt is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veteran status, and more. Join us!

We welcome and encourage applications if you meet the minimum qualifications. Even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications, we’d love the opportunity to consider you.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer

For more information about how we handle your personal data in connection with our recruiting processes, please refer to the Recruiting Privacy Notice on the “Privacy Notice” tab located at: http://privacy.leggett.com

 

 


Nearest Major Market: Grand Rapids

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