Senior Buyer - 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 Sr. Buyer – 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 2026-06-11

Recommended Jobs

Grinder Loader

Jackson, MI

Grinder Loader Responsible for preparing and feeding machines with raw materials, unloading finished parts, and assisting Operators. Ensure safe, efficient production flow while maintaining a clea…

View Details
Posted 2026-06-08

Financial Center Assistant Manager - Rochester/Orion Financial Center

Bank of America Corporation
Rochester Hills, MI

At Bank of America, we are guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better through the power of every connection. We do this by driving Responsible Growth and delivering for our …

View Details
Posted 2026-06-12

Optometrist - Part-Time

SEE Eyewear
Rochester, MI

Job Description Job Description SEE Eyewear is dedicated to uncovering hidden gems—and not just within our product assortment. We believe in recruiting top talent and cultivating a unique, sophis…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-11

Banquet Set Up

Park Place Hotel
Traverse City, MI

Job Description Job Description Job Summary : We are looking for a Banquet Set Up to greet guests, set up and teardown banquet rooms utilizing chairs, tables and AV equipment for guest functions…

View Details
Posted 2026-05-28

Supervisor of Snow Surfaces

Mt. Brighton
Brighton, MI

Create Your Experience of a Lifetime! Come work and play in the mountains!  Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow or you were born on the slopes, joining our team means discovering (or re-di…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-23

Key Account Manager (CMI)

Vector North America, Inc.
Novi, MI

The Key Account Manager (KAM) develops, manages and grows relationships with strategic customers in the Medical Technology and other sectors. This role aligns the company’s software solutions with c…

View Details
Posted 2026-02-21

Caregiver for Adult Day Center

DaySpring Services
Muskegon, MI

DayBreak Adult Day Services is seeking a Program Assistant (Caregiver) to join our growing team. They work directly with participants to enrich and care for their physical, mental, emotional, and spi…

View Details
Posted 2026-06-10

Assistant Controller

The Rapid
Grand Rapids, MI

Job Description Job Description We are seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Assistant Controller to partner closely with our Director of Finance to provide day-to-day analytical and technical …

View Details
Posted 2026-03-20

Groundsperson

Lewis Services
Benton Harbor, MI

Overview: Join a Company That Grows People At Lewis, we’re not just trimming trees — we’re building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a pro…

View Details
Posted 2026-06-08

Cashier

Rebel Convenience Stores
Macomb, MI

Are you a people-person who enjoys staying busy, helping others, and working in a fast-paced environment? Rebel Convenience Stores is looking for friendly and reliable Customer Service Associates to …

View Details
Posted 2026-04-16