Partner Operations Manager

Slate Auto; California (MO); On-site; USD 79,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Equity program

Discretionary annual incentive

Job summary

Slate is seeking a Partner Operations Manager to lead a regional team of Partner Operations Specialists, overseeing onboarding, performance management, and ongoing support for our Delivery Partners who transport and deliver vehicles to customers.

The role requires cross-functional collaboration with Fulfillment, Logistics, Service, and other teams, driving process improvements, cost optimization, and a strong focus on partner satisfaction and customer outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; hands-on experience acceptable as substitute.
• 5+ years of experience in vehicle delivery and/or automotive distribution.
• Proven track record leading a team of Regional Support Specialists.
• Experience managing relationships with third-party service providers; strong analytical and communication skills.
• ERP systems and cross-functional collaboration are essential; startup environment experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of Regional Partner Operations Specialists.
• Serve as the main point of contact between Delivery Partners and Slate’s internal teams.
• Develop and monitor performance metrics to optimize operations and costs.
• Validate and approve Delivery Partners’ monthly invoices against internal records.
• Track actual costs vs plan and suggest improvements to planning and processes.
• Implement vehicle and material inventory reporting and cycle counting with Delivery Partners.
• Assist Delivery Partners with necessary vehicle repairs prior to delivery to customers.

Skills

Team leadership

Operations management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Start-up adaptability

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations

Tools

ERP systems

Project Management tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

ABOUT SLATEAt 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 FORSlate is looking for an energetic, organized, and experienced Partner Operations Manager to join our growing team.As a Partner Operations Manager, you will lead a team of Regional Partner Operations Specialists who work cross functionally to support our Vehicle Delivery Partners as they deliver vehicles to our customers on our behalf. This role will support the onboarding, performance management, and ongoing support of our Delivery Partners. This role is responsible for building a high-performing team of Partner Operational Specialists who support our Delivery Partners by maintaining strong, collaborative relationships that drive operational excellence, partner satisfaction, and customer gratification. This team will support our Delivery Partners who will transport, inspect, prepare, and deliver vehicles to our customers.Reporting to the Head of Sales Planning and Fulfilment, you are customer-led in everything that you do. Your primary responsibility is to lead all aspects of our relationship with our Delivery Partners by working closely with Fulfillment, Logistics, Service, Accessories, and other internal teams while driving process and system improvement to meet and beat our customer’s expectations.WHAT YOU GET TO DOBe the face of Slate to our Delivery Partners.Build and develop a high performing team of Regional Partner Operations Specialists.Act as the main point of contact (POC) between our Delivery Partners and Slate’s internal cross functional teams, assisting with vehicle and delivery issues and driving the decision-making process to improve delivery effectiveness.Develop and monitor performance metrics of our Delivery Partners, proactively addressing issues to optimize operations and achieve cost effective solutions while maintaining high levels of service for our customers.Validate and approve our Delivery Partners’ monthly invoices against our internal records of work completed through thorough tracking and analytical review.Track monthly actual costs vs plan and make suggestions for improvements to our planning process and other processes to reduce costs.Implement and execute a vehicle and material inventory reporting and cycle counting program with our Delivery Partners intended to maintain extremely high inventory accuracy.Assist our Delivery Partners when there are needed repairs to vehicles prior to delivery to customers.WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAMBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, 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.5+ years of experience in vehicle delivery and/or automotive distribution, preferably directly working with OEMs or Dealers.Proven track-record of overseeing a team of Regional Support Specialists.Proven track-record overseeing relationships with third party service providers with strong analytical and communication skills. You will be the face of Slate to our Delivery Partners.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.Demonstrate the ability to effectively represent and promote the Slate brand while building meaningful connections with Delivery Partners and the Slate community.Experience with ERP systems and Project Management tools.Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSMust have the ability to travel (up to 50%).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 RANGEThe 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: $79,386 to $140,840 USDADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSSlate 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 REQUIREMENTApplicants 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 FirstDelight CustomersOne TeamRelentless ImprovementFast, Frugal, and ScrappyRespectful CollaborationPositive LegacyWE 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 [e-mail].