Slate Performance Automotive Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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 looking for an energetic, organized, and experienced Sr. Buyer – Electrical Modules and Components to join our growing team. This role requires someone who possesses experience in electronics components buying and market realities but brings a "roll up the sleeves" mindset. Automotive buying experience is desired but not required. A solid candidate here will thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where responsibilities are wide-ranging and collaboration is key. At Slate, we are committed to providing our employees and candidates with access to information about our compensation practices. The expected base salary range offered for this role is $108,800-$136,000. Compensation may vary based on relevant experience, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location. We embrace a startup company mindset of being fast, frugal, scrappy, and fun. Important skills include strong business acumen, personal accountability, strategic commodity thinking, relationship building, total cost analysis, communication, and negotiation.

• Manage a strategic supply base for SLATE's tiered electrical components.
• Sourcing: Seek out high quality, qualified supplier candidates, establish sourcing strategies and agreement principles, and drive sourcing approvals for electrical production and service parts, tooling, and services.
• Document the sourcing agreements and own the supplier agreements which drive the relationships.
• Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and commercial agreements to meet program cost targets, functional and manufacturing deliverables, and our Job 1 launch timing.
• Ensuring supplier production and capacity readiness, and program timing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management to resolve cost, quality, and delivery issues.
• Identify, negotiate, and implement cost reduction opportunities including value engineering initiatives with our supplier partners.
• Monitor SLATE partner performance and develop risk mitigation actions to support program launch and ensure supply continuity.
• Ensure supplier compliance with Slate's Global Terms and Conditions and commercial agreements.
• Identify critical / high risk tiered subcomponents and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Communicate supplier risks, program impacts, and sourcing priorities to internal stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field or experience.
• 8-10 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering.
• Automotive or manufacturing industries are preferred.
• Proven experience sourcing automotive Electrical systems.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Sufficient experience to identify process issues and drive improvements.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Plex, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Flexibility.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.

At Slate, we're fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail.

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affolirative 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.

At Slate, we've got one job: building a vehicle you'll fall in love with, right here in the USA. We believe that car buyers—not car companies—should call the shots. We like looking at a road, not a screen. We don't like paying for stuff we don't need.
We like picking out the stuff we do need. We think dings are badges, not blemishes. But we know not everyone likes what we like. So, we built you a Slate: you make it yours.