Installation Operations Manager Jobs in Detroit, MI

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.

Open to candidates in the Troy, MI or Chicago, IL (Midwest region)

| WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a Field Operations Manager to serve as Slate's boots-on-the-ground presence at our delivery partner sites. You will be the face of Slate in the field, embedded at Slate's partner's vehicle delivery facilities, designing and refining wrap installation operations at partner sites, auditing installation quality, and acting as the escalation point for roadblocks as they arise.

| WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Own installation quality at your sites, performing regular audits of wrap installations, identifying defects, and working with the installation team to resolve them in real time.

• Train and coach partner installation teams on Slate's SOPs, ensuring consistent execution across every installer at every site.

• Monitor and report on site-level performance metrics (installation throughput, defect rate, cycle time, SLA compliance), escalating trends to the Partner Operations Lead with root cause analysis and corrective action recommendations.

• Act as the primary escalation point for customer complaints and warranty claims originating from your assigned sites, coordinating with Slate's core team to drive resolution within defined SLAs.

• Validate that wrap kit receiving, VIN-to-kit matching, and inventory handling processes are being followed correctly at the partner facility, and flag or correct any deviations.

• Support the launch readiness process for new partner sites, including participating in facility walkthroughs, reviewing staffing and layout plans, and helping stand up the operational workflow before go-live.

• Identify opportunities to improve installation speed, quality, and consistency at your sites, proposing SOP updates and process changes to the Partner Lead.

• Serve as a trusted partner to delivery partners, building relationships that enable fast problem resolution and strong day-to-day collaboration.

| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.

• 4+ years of experience in field operations, manufacturing operations, quality management, automotive services, or a related operational role.

• Demonstrated ability to hold teams to high quality standards in a production or installation environment, with experience performing audits, identifying defects, and driving corrective action.

• Experience training and coaching frontline teams on operational procedures, work instructions, or quality standards.

• Strong communication and relationship management skills - comfortable building trust with partner site teams while maintaining accountability to Slate's standards.

• Highly detail-oriented and process-driven, with a bias toward structured execution over improvisation.

• Comfortable working with data: able to track and interpret site-level KPIs, identify performance trends, and communicate findings clearly to leadership.

• Willingness to be on-site at partner locations full-time during launch and regularly thereafter; ability to travel to multiple sites within a region as needed.

• High comfort with ambiguity and a bias toward action - able to make good judgment calls in the field without constant escalation.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in automotive reconditioning, dealership operations, fleet services, or vehicle aftermarket.

• Experience working embedded at a partner or third-party facility (e.g., dealership, reconditioning center, distribution center).

• Background in quality management systems (e.g., DPMO tracking, first-pass yield, root cause analysis / 8D methodology).

• Experience using or building operational dashboards to track field performance metrics.

• Exposure to fulfillment receiving and inventory management processes.

• Familiarity with vinyl wrap installation, large-format graphics, or vehicle personalization products.

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:$96,000 - $120,000 USD

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.