Geopolitical Intelligence Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

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, experienced Senior Buyer - Metal & Raw Material to join our growing team that brings a "roll up the sleeves" approach to getting things done, as responsibilities will be wide ranging. We have embraced a startup company mindset of being fast, frugal, scrappy, and fun. Important skills include accountability, strategic thinking, relationship building, business case analysis, and negotiation.

| WHAT YOU GET TO DO

BIW Sourcing

Develop a strategic supply base, lead supplier negotiations, and manage RFIs, RFQs, and commercial agreements to meet cost targets, deliverables, and Job 1 timing. Source and purchase production parts, service parts, tooling, and services while resolving cost, quality, and delivery issues.

Take ownership of Automotive BIW sourcing ensuring precision fit, supplier readiness, risk mitigation, and launch timing. Collaborate cross-functionally to implement cost reductions, drive supplier quality, and ensure adherence to Slate Global Terms and Conditions.

Purchase Order & Contract Management

• Support change management tracking during design phases, coordinating PO updates and revisions as engineering changes occur

• Manage pricing updates for raw material adjustments per contracts with suppliers

• Negotiate and administer long-term supply agreements, blanket orders, and consignment programs aligned with demand planning

• Administer NDA processes and manage General Terms & Conditions (GTCs), Purchased Part Agreements (PPAs), and other supplier contracts throughout their lifecycle

Raw Material Tracking & Market Intelligence

• Monitor domestic and global metal commodity markets (LME, COMEX, CRU, AMM) and communicate potential factors driving changes to those markets

• Analyze commodity price trends, indices (HRC, CRC, aluminum premiums, copper COMEX), and forecasts to inform purchasing strategies and budget planning

• Monitor raw material cost impacts to piece price and compare with current market trends, escalating significant variances to leadership

• Develop and implement price risk mitigation strategies including forward contracting, index-linked pricing, and strategic safety stock management

• Track tariffs, trade policy changes, import/export regulations, and geopolitical events that impact raw material availability and cost

Supply Chain Mapping & Risk Management

• Develop and maintain Tier-n supplier maps to provide visibility into the full depth of the supply chain for critical raw materials and components

• Identify and document sub-tier suppliers for critical raw materials, components, and single-source dependencies

• Support supply chain risk assessments by maintaining up-to-date mapping data and identifying concentration or disruption risks

• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to proactively address material availability issues before they impact production

• Build and maintain a diversified global supplier base, continuously evaluating new sources to reduce single-source dependency

Scrap Pooling & Raw Material Buy Program

• Establish and manage a formalized raw material buy program, defining procurement timing, volume commitments, and pricing strategies aligned with market conditions and production demand

• Develop program governance including buy triggers, approval thresholds, inventory targets, and performance metrics to measure program effectiveness

• Coordinate scrap pooling activities across internal facilities and supplier partners, consolidating scrap streams to maximize recovery value and reduce net raw material costs

• Negotiate scrap resale agreements and manage relationships with scrap dealers and processors to ensure competitive returns on metal scrap recovery

• Track scrap generation rates, grades, and recovery credits by material type and facility; report on scrap revenue and its offset impact to raw material spend

• Collaborate with operations and engineering to identify opportunities to reduce scrap generation at the source through material utilization improvements and yield optimization

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and execute category strategies for ferrous metals (carbon steel, stainless, alloy), non-ferrous metals (aluminum, copper, brass, titanium), and other industrial commodities

• Lead RFQ/RFP processes, track and follow up on outstanding quote responses, and conduct competitive bid analysis

• Negotiate contracts including pricing, payment terms, lead times, and quality specifications, delivering measurable year-over-year cost savings

• Manage strategic supplier relationships through regular business reviews and performance scorecards (OTD, quality, pricing, service)

• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and development activities in partnership with quality and engineering teams

• Resolve supply disruptions, quality escapes, and delivery issues swiftly to protect production continuity

Spend Analysis, Reporting & Cost Estimating Support

• Identify cost reduction opportunities and savings trends through data analysis; assist in preparing period-end procurement reports

• Serve as liaison between Purchasing and Cost Estimating to align material pricing with project estimates; provide current and historical pricing data for accurate cost models

• Review estimated vs. actual material costs and communicate variances; support new program launches to ensure early procurement involvement in the estimating process

• Support the annual budgeting process with commodity forecasts and raw material cost models

| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field preferred

• 10+ years of experience in Procurement/Supply Chain Management or Engineering

• Minimum of 3 years focused on metals and/or industrial raw materials

• Proven experience sourcing BIW for production and prototype (stampings, assemblies, roll forming, aluminum extrusions, BIW tooling)

• Demonstrated expertise in metal commodity markets, price indices, and sourcing strategies for ferrous and/or non-ferrous metals

• Experience in a manufacturing or automotive environment strongly preferred

• Proven track record of negotiating multi-million-dollar supply contracts and delivering cost reduction targets

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge and experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Plex, Oracle, NetSuite)

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, cost modeling, pivot tables, and reporting

• Intermediate+ skills in using AI tools to enhance procurement workflows and analytics

• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional and supplier interaction

• Ability to identify process issues and drive improvements to improve operational efficiency

• High level of integrity and ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment

• CPSM, CPM, or equivalent professional certification preferred

| WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is a hybrid role with regular visits to plant or supplier sites. Up to 20% travel may be required for supplier visits, industry events, and new program launches. The role operates in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and may require flexibility during critical production or sourcing periods.

SALARY RANGE

The compensationfor this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Annual Base Pay Range: $108,000 to $136,000.

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Slate offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in the equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

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.