Accessories Buyer

Slate Auto; Center (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate Auto is seeking an energetic Accessories Buyer to join our team in Indiana. You will develop a strategic supplier base, negotiate terms, and manage the sourcing process for exterior, interior, and tech vehicle accessories.

The role emphasizes cost targets, program timing, and cross-functional collaboration. Ideal candidates bring 2–5 years in procurement or engineering, a Bachelor's degree, and strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience.
• 2–5 years in Procurement/Supply Chain or Engineering.
• Experience with accessories preferred.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strategic supplier base and lead negotiations.
• Manage sourcing to meet program cost targets and timing.
• Quote and negotiate pricing for vehicle accessories (exterior, interior, tech).
• Resolve cost, quality, and delivery issues with cross-functional teams.
• Drive cost reductions and supplier quality improvements.
• Ensure adherence to Global Terms and Conditions.
• Analyze data to deliver best value across suppliers and internal teams.
• Communicate risks and priorities to enable resolution.

Skills

Negotiation

Sourcing

Communication

Relationship building

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

Plex

Job description

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.

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, experienced Accessories 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 accountability, critical thinking, relationship building, business analysis, and negotiation.

We are not providing Visa sponsorship for this role at this time.

What You Get To Do

• Develop a strategic supply base, lead supplier commercial negotiations, manage supplier RFIs, RFQs, and commercial agreements
• Manage sourcing process to meet program cost targets, deliverables and Job 1 timing
• Quote and negotiate pricing with suppliers for the purchase of vehicle accessories – exterior, interior and tech
• Assist in the resolution of cost, quality, and delivery issues affecting the supply, work together with product development, quality, and other purchasing teams to leverage
• Develop strategies and implement solutions, meet cost targets
• Identify and implement cost reductions, drive quality with suppliers
• Ensure supplier adherence to our Global Terms and Conditions
• Analysis of data from a variety of internal and external sources to deliver the best value
• Communicate risks and priorities as needed to ensure resolution

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum 2- 5 years of experience in Procurement/Supply Chain Management or Engineering
• Preferred experience with accessories
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• Ability to identify process issues and drive improvements to improve operational efficiency
• Knowledge and experience with ERP systems and implementation – i.e. SAP, Plex
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• 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 Aff… 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 [e-mail].