Plant Manager - Crew B

Slate Auto; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 185,000 - 309,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking a Plant Manager - Crew B to own the entire factory from day one and scale operations in Indiana. You will lead Production, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Logistics, and Safety teams, build systems, and drive safe, high-quality execution in a capital-conscious startup environment.

We value hands-on leaders who can shape processes, culture, and strategy while balancing speed, cost, and quality. Strong Lean and continuous improvement mindset is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or related field.
• 15+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including senior plant or operations leadership.
• Experience in automotive, EV, battery, or high-mix / high-growth manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to build teams, processes, and structure in fast-moving or ambiguous environments.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence foundation with practical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Own full responsibility for plant operations, from day-to-day execution to long-term scaling strategy.
• Lead 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.
• Partner with Engineering and Program teams to support new product introduction and ramp-ups.
• Create a strong safety culture and ensure compliance while maintaining startup agility.
• Hire, develop, and grow leaders capable of scaling with the business.
• Manage plant budgets, capital investments, and resource prioritization.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Lean manufacturing

Startup mindset

People development

Cross-functional leadership

Safety culture

Team building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

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

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.

Base Pay Range (Annual) 185,293.24 - 247,057.65 - 308,822.06 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 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 affirmatively 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.