Materials Phd Jobs in Indiana (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.

Slate is seeking a highly organized Material & Warehouse Supervisor to oversee material flow, inventory management, and warehouse operations in a fast‑paced automotive manufacturing environment. This role ensures efficient handling, storage, and distribution of materials, supporting production schedules and minimizing supply disruptions. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, warehouse management expertise, and hands‑on experience overseeing material operations, ensuring optimal inventory levels, timely deliveries, and seamless coordination with logistics, procurement, suppliers, and production teams. This role collaborates with Manufacturing, Logistics, Procurement, Suppliers, Production Control, and Warehouse Operations to maintain efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in material and warehouse management.

• Supervise warehouse staff, including hourly material and warehouse team members, ensuring proper material handling, storage, and stock movement.
• Manage material flow and inventory control, ensuring availability for production while minimizing excess.
• Train, mentor, and support hourly team members, fostering a productive and efficient work environment.
• Conduct inventory audits and cycle counts to maintain accurate stock levels.
• Coordinate with suppliers and procurement teams to manage purchase orders, replenishment schedules, and lead times.
• Optimize inbound and outbound shipments, collaborating with logistics teams.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to track material availability, consumption rates, and replenishment cycles.
• Implement Lean manufacturing principles, including Just‑in‑Time (JIT), Kanban, and pull systems.
• Identify and resolve supply chain disruptions, material shortages, and warehouse inefficiencies.
• Ensure warehouse safety procedures, proper storage practices, and compliance with industry regulations.
• Lead shift scheduling and workforce planning to align resources with production demands.
• Monitor team performance, provide coaching, and ensure adherence to company policies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance warehouse efficiency and material handling operations.

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of related experience; or Master’s degree with 6 years of related experience; or PhD with 3 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in warehouse management, materials supervision, or supply chain operations within the automotive industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading warehouse teams, including supervision of hourly material handling and warehouse personnel.
• Hands‑on experience with ERP/MRP systems, such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, material handling, and inventory control.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems for tracking and forecasting material availability.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, JIT, Kanban, and process efficiency improvements.

Base Pay Range (Annual): 123,339.00 – 185,009.00 USD.

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start‑up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness moves 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.