Material Planning Manager

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 123,339 - 185,009; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k

Equity program

Discretionary incentive

Vacation

Job summary

Slate is seeking a Material Planning Manager in Michigan to lead a team of Material / Inventory Analysts responsible for service parts and accessories inventory, PO management, and supplier collaboration.

You will drive continuous improvement, set safety stock, optimize stocking levels, and work with SI&OP, warehouse, and 3PL partners to meet demand. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, 8+ years in supply chain, 2+ years in management, and strong Excel/ERP skills are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; hands-on experience considered.
• Minimum 8+ years in Supply Chain/Logistics/Business Management.
• 2+ years of prior management experience required.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of Material/Inventory Analysts for parts and accessories.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning and inventory management.
• Collaborate with SI&OP, warehouse/3PL, and suppliers.
• Place and monitor purchase orders; optimize lead times and stock levels.
• Set safety stocks and manage supplier relationships.

Skills

Supply chain experience

Management experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Startup mindset

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred in related field

Tools

ERP systems

Project management tools

Microsoft Excel

SmartSheets

Tableau

Alteryx

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 Material Planning Manager to join our growing team. As a Material Planning Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing a team of Material / Inventory Analysts who are focused on the planning, purchasing, and inventory of service parts and accessories to ensure availability to Slate's end customers, Service Partners, and delivery hub locations. You will work cross functionally with the Sales Inventory and Operations Planning (SI&OP) team, Slate's warehouse / 3PL, Purchasing, and our suppliers. You will be responsible for inventory planning of Service Parts and Accessories to optimize stocking levels of all parts in your portfolio. You will manage purchase orders with our suppliers to bring inventory into our warehouse / 3PL and will work with our suppliers to expedite and de‑expediting purchase orders as necessary. You will be responsible for setting safety stocks for your portfolio of products to make sure Slate is able to meet exceptional demand in a timely manner.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Manage a team of Material / Inventory Analysts responsible for maintaining inventory of Service Parts and Accessories required for our customers.
• Develop and drive continuous improvement in Material Planning and Inventory Management processes to reduce inventory while maintaining high fulfillment rates.
• Collaborate with the Sales Inventory and Operations Planning (SI&OP) team to understand the requirements of your portfolio of parts.
• Place and track purchase orders (through our ERP System) to the suppliers of the Service Parts and Accessories in your portfolio of parts.
• Work collaboratively with suppliers on reviewing and improving lead times, minimum order quantities, rounding values, and other related purchase data to optimize inventory stored at Slate's warehouse / 3PL.
• Monitor parts inventory levels and work collaboratively with suppliers on expediting and de‑expediting orders based on actual orders received.
• Devise and implement parts level strategies and procedures to drive efficient inventory control, leading to optimized inventory levels.
• Own the tactical (day-to-day) supplier relationships while fostering long-term partnerships.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Material Management, Material Analytics, Operations, or equivalent is preferred. While a degree is preferred, we value hands‑on experience and a proven track record of success as a suitable substitute and encourage candidates to apply who can demonstrate relevant and commensurate professional experience.
• 8+ years of experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business Management, preferably working in Material Management.
• 2 + years of previous manager experience in a Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business Management role is required.
• Strong analytical skills, with sufficient understanding of basic and advanced material management processes and practices.
• Proficiency in ERP Systems and Project Management tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or other data analysis tools, such as SmartSheets, Tableau, Alteryx, or other scripting tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an understanding of how to present complex data in easily understood ways to multiple levels with the business.
• Strong problem solving capabilities, with attention to detail.
• Comfortable in start‑up environments.
• You can roll up your sleeves to do the work and build, or recommend the tools needed to be successful as the company grows.
• A proactive, "one company" teammate with a continuous improvement approach, equally comfortable with warehousing practices, material management, business planning, and financial implications.
• Capability to work cross‑functionally with external partners and internal teams, building strong relationships that produce positive results.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
• Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

SALARY RANGE

The compensation for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors.

Annual Base Pay Range: $123,339 to $185,009 USD

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Slate offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k.

The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in the equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

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 [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.