Indirect Procurement Buyer II

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate Auto seeks an experienced Indirect Procurement Buyer II to lead supplier negotiations, manage RFIs/RFQs, and secure favorable Master Services Agreements in a fast-paced startup-like environment in the USA. You will source services, goods, and equipment while balancing cost, quality, and delivery.

The role requires a strategic, collaborative mindset with strong communication skills, integrity, and the ability to drive improvements across procurement processes and supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8–10 years in Indirect Procurement.
• Proven experience sourcing Automotive Indirect services, goods and equipment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Identify process issues and drive improvements for operational efficiency.
• ERP experience with SAP and NetSuite.
• High integrity and startup-ready mindset.
• Procurement experience in Professional Services/R&D is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strategic supply base, lead supplier negotiations, and manage RFIs/RFQs and MSAs.
• Source services, goods, and equipment with best cost, quality, and delivery.
• Own Automotive Indirect Procurement with supplier readiness and launch timing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to implement cost reductions and improve supplier quality.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Analytical

Integrity

Startup environment adaption

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

NetSuite

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, experienced Indirect Procurement Buyer II, 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, strategic thinking, relationship building, business case analysis, and negotiation.

What you get to do:

Develop a strategic supply base, lead supplier negotiations, and manage RFIs, RFQs, Master Services Agreements and commercial agreements in accordance with Slate’s Indirect Procurement requirements. Source services, goods and equipment while addressing best cost, quality, and delivery. Take ownership of Automotive Indirect Procurement, ensuring precision fit, supplier readiness, risk mitigation, and launch timing. Collaborate cross-functionally to implement cost reductions, drive supplier quality, and ensure adherence to Slate General Terms and Conditions.

What you bring to the team:

• Bachelor’s degree 8-10 years of experience in Indirect Procurement.
• Proven experience sourcing Automotive Indirect services, goods and equipment.
• 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, NetSuite, Zip Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment, with strong follow-through to complete projects on time.
• Professional Services procurement experience in R&D is a plus.

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

• 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 Affi 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.