Plant Manager

Slate Auto; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic Plant Manager to lead its new vehicle assembly plant. This pivotal role involves overseeing manufacturing operations, ensuring safety and quality standards, and driving efficiency in electric vehicle production. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the automotive sector, particularly in manufacturing startups and vehicle launches. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to operational excellence and continuous improvement, where your leadership will shape the future of electric vehicle production.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in automotive or electric vehicle.
• Strong background in manufacturing engineering and assembly operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations and ensure EHS compliance.
• Develop production schedules and lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Manufacturing Experience

Lean Manufacturing

Project Management

Team Leadership

Communication Skills

Process Improvement

Budget Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, or Engineering

Job description

Join to apply for the Plant Manager role at Slate Auto

ABOUT Slate
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.

Who we are looking for: Slate is seeking a strategic, results-driven Plant Manager to lead our manufacturing operation. You will oversee the launch of our new vehicle assembly plant and all ongoing operations. This position is based in the Central Midwest in a highly desirable mid-size community.

As the Plant Manager, you will drive operational excellence, develop a manufacturing roadmap aligned with business strategy, and deliver world-class results in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This pivotal role helps shape the future of our electric vehicle operations. You will report to the Head of Manufacturing.

What you get to do:

1. Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations including operational excellence, production control, inventory, purchasing, shipping/receiving, and quality assurance.
2. Ensure Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) compliance and safety standards.
3. Translate customer requirements into manufacturing strategies to ensure cost-effective, high-quality electric vehicle production.
4. Develop production schedules optimizing equipment, materials, and staffing to meet demand on time and within budget.
5. Lead Manufacturing Engineering activities.
6. Implement manufacturing processes and procedures to optimize efficiency, quality, and safety.
7. Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
8. Lead efforts to improve KPIs in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC).
9. Support S&OP processes for operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
10. Establish leadership standards and foster a culture of accountability.
11. Lead talent development, hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance management.
12. Create a positive, collaborative work environment and engage with the workforce.
13. Act as an ambassador for Slate in the community.
14. Manage manufacturing budgets, ensuring cost control and financial performance.

What you bring to the team:

1. Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, or Engineering.
2. 10+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in automotive or electric vehicle industry.
3. At least 5 years of management experience in automotive manufacturing.
4. Experience with manufacturing startup and vehicle launch.
5. Strong background in manufacturing engineering, especially assembly operations.
6. Understanding of vehicle builds and final inspection processes.
7. Experience working with OEM vehicle assembly and managing complex relationships.
8. Proven success in process streamlining, efficiency, and transformational change.
9. Expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
10. Knowledge of ISO standards and their implementation.
11. Self-motivated, adaptable, results-driven attitude.
12. Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
13. Willingness to travel as needed.

Why Join Team Slate?

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy

Our Commitment to Diversity:

• Slate is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital or parental status, cultural background, or other protected characteristics.
• We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Contact us at [e-mail] for assistance.