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ABOUT SLATE
At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.
| WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Slate is looking for an energetic, organized, and experienced Sr. Buyer – Exterior Plastics & Resins to join our growing team. This role requires a hands-on individual who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, take leadership in building out best practices and is excited to help build a supply base that supports the launch of next-generation electric vehicles.
We operate with a “roll up the sleeves” mindset, fast, frugal, scrappy, and collaborative. The ideal candidate brings strong automotive sourcing expertise in injection-molded components and resin procurement, along with exceptional skills in supplier negotiations, cost analysis, cross-functional collaboration, risk mitigation and strategic thinking.
Important traits for success in this role include accountability, critical thinking, relationship building, commercial acumen, and the ability to execute in a dynamic environment.
We are not providing Visa sponsorship for this role at this time.
| WHAT YOU GET TO DO
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for exterior plastic components, injection-molded parts, and direct resin procurement.
Build and manage a strategic global supply base for exterior systems and plastic commodities.
Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, commercial negotiations, and sourcing decisions to meet cost, quality, and program timing targets.
Manage the end-to-end sourcing process to support program milestones and Job 1 launch readiness.
Negotiate piece price, tooling, and commercial terms for injection molded exterior components and resin supply agreements.
Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management to resolve cost, quality, and delivery issues.
Identify cost drivers in molded plastic components including tooling, resin material, cycle times, and manufacturing processes.
Drive cost reduction initiatives, value engineering, and supplier productivity improvements.
Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with Slate’s Global Terms & Conditions and commercial agreements.
Analyze internal and market data to support sourcing decisions and deliver the best overall value to the organization.
Identify sourcing risks and implement supply continuity and risk mitigation strategies.
Communicate sourcing risks, supplier challenges, and program impacts to leadership as needed.
| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM
8+ years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Engineering within automotive or related manufacturing industries.
Strong experience sourcing injection-molded plastic components and exterior automotive systems.
Deep knowledge of small-to-large tonnage injection molding processes and tooling cost structures.
Experience managing or establishing direct resin procurement strategies.
Ability to quickly identify cost drivers in injection-molded parts, including tooling, materials, processing, and supplier margins.
Proven experience negotiating commercial agreements and supplier contracts.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to support cost modeling and supplier benchmarking.
Experience supporting vehicle program launches and meeting automotive program timing milestones.
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills working with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.
Ability to manage multiple sourcing initiatives in a fast-paced startup environment.
Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools.
WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?
At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles.
Safety First
Delight Customers
One Team
Relentless Improvement
Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
Respectful Collaboration
Positive Legacy
WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.
Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.
Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at
slate-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.
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