Senior Battery Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Purchasing Battery (Cell, Module, Pack) Buyer

ABOUT Slate

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.

Who we are looking for:

SLATE is looking for an energetic, organized, experienced Battery Buyer 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 action orientation, accountability, strategic thinking, relationship building, business case analysis, program management, and negotiation.

What you get to do:

As the Battery Buyer at SLATE, you will serve as the commercial lead for all things battery-related. Your focus will be on identifying, building, and managing relationships with current and future battery cell and module suppliers.

In this role, you will:

• Lead commercial strategy for SLATE's battery supply base.
• Monitor trends in technology, raw materials, tariffs, regulations, and supply chain issues.
• Work closely with our battery pack assembly partner and internal plant team to build a strategic and cost-effective supplier base.
• Lead commercial negotiations and manage RFIs, RFQs, pricing agreements, and contracts with suppliers.
• Ensure supplier readiness for production and adherence to Master Supply Agreements, including pricing updates and raw material tracking.
• Support cost, quality, and delivery goals for battery pack assemblies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including product development, quality, and procurement—to meet cost targets, drive quality, and ensure on-time delivery.
• Enforce supplier compliance with SLATE's Global Terms and Conditions.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, confidence working across teams and cultures, and the ability to engage assertively with international suppliers. We value transparency, direct communication, and a bias for action.

What you bring to the team:

• Bachelor's degree
• Li Ion Battery Cell, Module, Pack, and raw materials experience.
• 8-10 years of experience in Procurement/Supply Chain Management or Engineering.
• Excellent analytical, communication and relationship building skills.
• Knowledge and experience with ERP systems – i.e. SAP, Plex
• High level of integrity
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment.

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 accommodations 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 recar- [email protected].

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