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 Auto is seeking a Head of Procurement – Indirect, Facilities & Capex to lead all indirect and capital procurement for the Warsaw assembly plant. This role owns the sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management strategy for capital equipment (including automation), MRO, facilities and janitorial consumables, and indirect spend across IT and all other plant functions, including punchout catalog systems such as Amazon Business, Grainger, and Global Industrial. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role critical to plant readiness, cost control, and operational uptime as Slate scales toward production.
- Lead sourcing, negotiation, and contracting for all capital equipment purchases, including automation, robotics, and production support systems.
- Own MRO procurement strategy and supplier base to ensure plant uptime and cost-effective spares/consumables availability.
- Manage facilities and janitorial consumables sourcing, including vendor performance, service levels, and cost management.
- Direct all indirect spend for IT and other cross-functional groups (e.g., travel, professional services, office/admin, safety supplies).
- Administer and optimize punchout/e-procurement systems (Amazon Business, Grainger, Global Industrial, and similar), driving adoption, compliance, and spend visibility.
- Build and manage supplier relationships, scorecards, and contracts; lead negotiations to deliver year-over-year cost savings and favorable terms.
- Develop category strategies and multi-year sourcing roadmaps aligned to plant capacity, capex, and cost-down goals.
- Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Facilities, IT, Engineering, and Operations to align procurement plans with capital budgets and project timing.
- Ensure procurement policy compliance, purchase order governance, and audit-ready documentation across all indirect and capex categories.
- Build and lead a team of buyers/category managers to support plant growth and expanding scope of responsibility.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field; MBA a plus.
- 10+ years of progressive procurement experience, with significant exposure to Capex, MRO, and Facilities categories; automotive or manufacturing plant environment strongly preferred.
- Proven experience negotiating capital equipment and automation contracts.
- Experience managing indirect/e-procurement platforms and punchout catalog integrations (Amazon Business, Grainger, Global Industrial, or similar).
- Strong contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and cost analysis skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead a team and operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed, startup-like environment.
- Proficiency in procurement/ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). SAP and SAP implementation a plus
- Job location preferred in Warsaw, Indiana, but Detroit metro area candidates will also be considered
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.
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].
