Buyer II - Interior & Safety

Slate
Michigan
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, and experienced Buyer II – Interior and Safety to join our growing team. This role requires someone who brings a “roll up the sleeves” mindset and thrives in a fast-paced startup environment where responsibilities are wide-ranging and collaboration is key.

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

  • Develop and manage a strategic supply base for automotive interior and safety components.
  • Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and commercial agreements to meet program cost targets, deliverables, and Job 1 launch timing.
  • Source and purchase production parts, service parts, tooling, and services supporting interior and safety systems.
  • Take ownership of sourcing activities for interior systems and safety-related components, ensuring supplier readiness, precision fit, and program timing.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management to resolve cost, quality, and delivery issues.
  • Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities and value engineering initiatives with suppliers.
  • Monitor supplier performance and mitigate sourcing risks to support program launch and supply continuity.
  • Ensure supplier compliance with Slate’s Global Terms and Conditions and commercial agreements.
  • Analyze sourcing data and market intelligence to support best value sourcing decisions.
  • Communicate supplier risks, program impacts, and sourcing priorities to internal stakeholders.

| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

  • 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 within automotive or manufacturing industries.
  • Proven experience sourcing automotive interior components and/or vehicle safety systems.
  • Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
  • Ability to identify process issues and drive improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Plex, or similar platforms.
  • Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • High level of integrity and accountability.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced startup 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 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

[email protected].
Posted 2026-03-12

Recommended Jobs

Conflicts Research Analyst

Mangrum Career Solutions LLC
Detroit, MI

We’re recruiting on behalf of a nationally respected law firm seeking a Conflicts Research Analyst to join their growing conflicts team. This role plays a critical part in helping attorneys navigate …

View Details
Posted 2026-02-21

Material Handler - Shipping

Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company
Wyoming, MI

Knape and Vogt is seeking an experienced Hi-Lo driver to join our dynamic distribution team! If you're ready for a new challenge in a fast-paced, supportive environment, we offer competitive pay and …

View Details
Posted 2026-02-27

OnSite Specialist - Ann Arbor, MI

Stryker
Ann Arbor, MI

Utilizes a wide array of knowledge, technical skills and critical thinking abilities to facilitate job functions during surgical procedures as well as preoperative and postoperative equipment mana…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-30

Quality Engineer

GD Land Systems
Walker, MI

Responsibilities for this Position Position Title: Quality Engineer Location: Walker, MI, United States Category: Quality Control Job Type: Full-Time Country: United States S…

View Details
Posted 2026-02-10

Metrology Technician - Ludington Area

The Pivot Group Network
Ludington, MI

Metrology Technician | Ludington, MI Salary Range: $56,000 - $83,000 depending on experience Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for precision measurement and ensuring q…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-11

Business Analyst

FastTek Global
Dimondale, MI

Required Skills ~ Minimum of 12+ years of experience as a Business Analyst with a proven track record of understanding the business processes and their requirements and translating it into technica…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-11

Set-up Technician

DENSO
Battle Creek, MI

Set-Up Technician DMNC Blow Molding, Dept. 300 Core Hours: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM Position Summary: This position is responsible for setting up blow molding and injection molding machines or ser…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-12

Senior Labor Relations Specialist

DTE Eng Corp Svcs LLC
Grand Rapids, MI

DTE is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer’s homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century. And as Michigan’s lar…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-13

Quality Technician

Corning Incorporated
Hemlock, MI

Requisition Number: 73409 The company built on breakthroughs. ​   Join us.​             Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the d…

View Details
Posted 2026-02-19

Regional Account Manager

Ironwear
Detroit, MI

At Ironwear, we pride ourselves on being innovators in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) industry for over 30 years. Our commitment to excellence and safety has positioned us as a trusted provi…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-09