Safety Buyer II

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate Auto in the United States is seeking an experienced Safety Buyer II to join our growing team. This role focuses on building a strategic safety supply base for steering wheels, airbags, and seat belts, while leading RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and supplier agreements to meet program cost targets and launch timing.

You will source prototype and production parts, tooling, and services for safety systems, ensuring supplier readiness and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering within automotive or manufacturing.
• Experience sourcing automotive in vehicle safety systems.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to identify process issues and drive improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Plex, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a strategic safety supply base for steering wheel, air bags and seat belts.
• Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and commercial agreements to meet program cost targets and launch timing.
• Source and purchase prototype parts, production parts, service parts, tooling, and services for safety systems.
• Own sourcing activities for safety-related components, ensuring supplier readiness and program timing.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management to resolve cost, quality, and delivery issues.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities and value engineering with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and mitigate sourcing risks to support launch and continuity.
• Ensure supplier compliance with Global Terms and commercial agreements.
• Analyze sourcing data and market intelligence to support best value decisions.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Accountability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, or related field

Tools

SAP

Plex

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 Safety Buyer II to join our growing team. This role requires someone who brings a “roll up the sleeves” mindset and thrives in a fast-paced startup environment where responsibilities are wide-ranging and collaboration is key. We have embraced a startup company mindset of being fast, frugal, scrappy, and fun.

Important skills include accountability, strategic thinking, relationship building, business case analysis, and negotiation.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Develop and manage a strategic safety supply base for steering wheel, air bags and seat belts.
• Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and commercial agreements to meet program cost targets, deliverables, and Job 1 launch timing.
• Source and purchase prototype parts, production parts, service parts, tooling, and services supporting safety systems.
• Take ownership of sourcing activities for safety-related components, ensuring supplier readiness, precision fit, and program timing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management to resolve cost, quality, and delivery issues.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities and value engineering initiatives with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and mitigate sourcing risks to support program launch and supply continuity.
• Ensure supplier compliance with Slate’s Global Terms and Conditions and commercial agreements.
• Analyze sourcing data and market intelligence to support best value sourcing decisions.
• Communicate supplier risks, program impacts, and sourcing priorities to internal stakeholders.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Experience in safety related automotive components.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field or experience.
• 8–10 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering within automotive or manufacturing industries.
• Proven experience sourcing automotive in vehicle safety systems.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to identify process issues and drive improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Plex, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.

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.