Supplier Quality Manager - Interiors

Slate Auto; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 123,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity program

Discretionary incentive program

Benefits package

Job summary

Slate is seeking an energetic Supplier Quality Manager, Interior Commodity, to lead PPAP submissions and drive dimensional and appearance compliance across the interior supply base.

You will head a team of SQEs, coordinate readiness reviews, and collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing and Purchasing to ensure production readiness and on-time launches. A strong track record in interior components and start-up environments is required.

Qualifications

• Engineering Degree or equiv. or previous working level experience.
• 10+ years of Supplier Quality experience including PPAP management, APQP, dimensional and appearance compliance, commodity-based SQE team leadership, and launch support; prior people management or team lead experience required.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
• Deep experience with interior commodity components including soft trim, hard trim, instrument panels, door panels, overhead systems, seats, and related plastic and foam assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage PPAP milestones, drive dimensional and appearance compliance, and close corrective actions with measurable results across a complex interior supply base.
• Strong working knowledge of supplier KPI and scorecard development, with the ability to use data to track PPAP status, dimensional compliance, and supplier readiness progress.
• Ability to work directly with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Purchasing to coordinate PPAP approval, appearance sign-off, engineering disposition, and production readiness decisions.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity.
• Experience directly managing or leading a team of supplier quality engineers, including task assignment, performance oversight, and technical mentorship.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead PPAP submissions and approval status across interior commodity supply base.
• Drive dimensional, appearance, and functional compliance; execute containment and corrective actions at underperforming suppliers.
• Directly lead a team of Supplier Quality Engineers aligned to interior commodities; provide direction and development support through launch and production.
• Own the interior supplier quality relationship, coordinate readiness reviews and milestone gate activities, and work cross-functionally with Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing to deliver components matching Slate’s standards and launch objectives.

Skills

Supplier Quality

PPAP management

APQP

Dimensional compliance

Appearance compliance

Team leadership

Launch support

Education

Engineering degree

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, experienced Supplier Quality Manager, Interior Commodity to join our growing team. The SQM, Interior Commodity will lead supplier quality execution across Slate’s interior supply base, with accountability spanning soft trim, hard trim, instrument panels, door panels, overhead systems, and related interior components. This position is accountable for driving PPAP completion, dimensional and appearance compliance, and supplier readiness in support of program milestones and production launch.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

In this position, the candidate will be responsible for managing PPAP submissions and approval status across the interior commodity supply base, driving dimensional, appearance, and functional compliance, and executing containment and corrective action at underperforming suppliers. The SQM will directly lead a team of Supplier Quality Engineers aligned to interior commodities, providing direction, prioritization, and development support through launch and into production. This role is pivotal in owning the interior supplier quality relationship, coordinating readiness reviews and milestone gate activities, and working cross‑functionally with Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing to deliver interior components that meet Slate’s quality standards and launch objectives.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Engineering Degree or equiv. or previous working level experience.
• 10+ years of Supplier Quality experience including PPAP management, APQP, dimensional and appearance compliance, commodity‑based SQE team leadership, and launch support; prior people management or team lead experience required.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
• Deep experience with interior commodity components including soft trim, hard trim, instrument panels, door panels, overhead systems, seats, and related plastic and foam assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage PPAP milestones, drive dimensional and appearance compliance, and close corrective actions with measurable results across a complex interior supply base.
• Strong working knowledge of supplier KPI and scorecard development, with the ability to use data to track PPAP status, dimensional compliance, and supplier readiness progress.
• Ability to work directly with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Purchasing to coordinate PPAP approval, appearance sign‑off, engineering disposition, and production readiness decisions.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity.
• Experience directly managing or leading a team of supplier quality engineers, including task assignment, performance oversight, and technical mentorship.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced start‑up 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) $123,339- $185,009 USD Annual Additional Compensation and Benefits: Slate 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.

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.

Slaq is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affi…

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.