Plant Manager - Crew B

Slate Auto; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 170,573 - 284,289; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Culture of innovation

Commitment to safety

Job summary

Slate Auto in Warsaw, Indiana is looking for a Plant Manager – Crew B to take charge of factory operations and lead cross-functional teams. This role necessitates hands-on leadership and aims to enhance performance across all aspects of plant operations.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, especially in automotive or high-growth industries, and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Join a company dedicated to innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

• Over 15 years of manufacturing leadership experience, including senior plant or operations leadership.
• Experience in automotive or high-growth manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong business judgment with the ability to balance speed, cost, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Own responsibility for plant operations from execution to scaling strategy.
• Lead cross-functional teams across various departments.
• Drive performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People.
• Manage plant budgets and capital investments.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Problem-solving

Team building

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations

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

We are looking for a Plant Manager – Crew B who is not only an experienced manufacturing leader, but also a builder. This role owns the entire factory and will be critical in taking the plant from early operations through scale. The Plant Manager will lead teams through ambiguity, establish foundations, and continuously improve while balancing startup speed with safe, high‑quality execution. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone excited to build systems, teams, and culture from the ground up.

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.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Own full responsibility for plant operations, from day‑to‑day execution to long‑term scaling strategy.
• Lead and develop cross‑functional teams across Production, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Logistics, and Safety.
• Build plant operating systems, routines, and standards where they don’t yet exist—and improve them as we grow.
• Drive performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People with clear accountability and transparency.
• Partner closely with Engineering and Program teams to support new product introduction, process development, and rapid production ramp‑ups.
• Create a strong safety culture and ensure compliance while maintaining startup agility.
• Solve problems directly on the floor—leading root cause analysis and fast, sustainable countermeasures.
• Hire, develop, and grow leaders and teams capable of scaling with the business.
• Manage plant budgets, capital investments, and resource prioritization in a capital‑conscious startup environment.
• Foster a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and “get‑it‑done” collaboration.
• Serve as a key member of the company’s leadership team, contributing to overall manufacturing and business strategy.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field (advanced degree a plus).
• 15+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including senior plant or operations leadership.
• Experience in automotive, EV, battery, or other high‑mix / high‑growth manufacturing environments preferred.
• Proven ability to build teams, processes, and structure in fast‑moving or ambiguous environments.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence foundation, paired with practical problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable being hands‑on when needed while also thinking strategically about scale.
• Strong business judgment with the ability to balance speed, cost, quality, and long‑term sustainability.
• Resilient, adaptable, and energized by the challenges of a startup environment.

SALARY RANGE

Base Pay Range (Annual): $170,573.68 – $284,289.47 USD Annual

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start‑up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness moves 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

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.