Buyer II Electrical

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 109,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking a Sr. Buyer – Electrical Modules and Components to lead sourcing for critical electrical parts in a fast-paced startup environment. You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and drive cost improvements while ensuring on-time program milestones.

The role requires 8–10 years in procurement or supply chain, with automotive experience preferred. Base salary ranges from $108,800 to $136,000, with compensation varying by experience and location.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in supply chain, engineering, or related field.
• 8–10 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Engineering.
• Automotive or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Proven experience sourcing automotive electrical systems.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Plex, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Manage a strategic supply base for Slate's tiered electrical components.
• Sourcing: identify qualified supplier candidates, define strategies and approval processes, drive sourcing approvals for parts, tooling, and services.
• Document supplier agreements and own supplier relationships.
• Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and commercial terms to meet program targets.
• Ensure supplier production readiness and program timing.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management to resolve cost, quality, and delivery issues.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities including value engineering with suppliers.
• Monitor partner performance and develop risk mitigation actions.

Skills

Supplier negotiation

Relationship management

Analytical skills

Communication

Cost analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain

Tools

SAP

Plex

ERP platforms

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.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Slate is looking for an energetic, organized, and experienced Sr. Buyer – Electrical Modules and Components to join our growing team. This role requires someone who possesses experience in electronics components buying and market realities but brings a "roll up the sleeves" mindset. Automotive buying experience is desired but not required. A solid candidate here will thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where responsibilities are wide-ranging and collaboration is key. At Slate, we are committed to providing our employees and candidates with access to information about our compensation practices. The expected base salary range offered for this role is $108,800-$136,000. Compensation may vary based on relevant experience, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location. We embrace a startup company mindset of being fast, frugal, scrappy, and fun. Important skills include strong business acumen, personal accountability, strategic commodity thinking, relationship building, total cost analysis, communication, and negotiation.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Manage a strategic supply base for SLATE's tiered electrical components.
• Sourcing: Seek out high quality, qualified supplier candidates, establish sourcing strategies and agreement principles, and drive sourcing approvals for electrical production and service parts, tooling, and services.
• Document the sourcing agreements and own the supplier agreements which drive the relationships.
• Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and commercial agreements to meet program cost targets, functional and manufacturing deliverables, and our Job 1 launch timing.
• Ensuring supplier production and capacity readiness, and program timing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management to resolve cost, quality, and delivery issues.
• Identify, negotiate, and implement cost reduction opportunities including value engineering initiatives with our supplier partners.
• Monitor SLATE partner performance and develop risk mitigation actions to support program launch and ensure supply continuity.
• Ensure supplier compliance with Slate's Global Terms and Conditions and commercial agreements.
• Identify critical / high risk tiered subcomponents and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• 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.
• Automotive or manufacturing industries are preferred.
• Proven experience sourcing automotive Electrical systems.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Sufficient experience to identify process issues and drive improvements.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Plex, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Flexibility.
• 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.

• 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 Affolirative 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 [e-mail].

About Us

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.