Slate is looking for an energetic, organized, and experienced Sr. Buyer - Interior and Safety 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 supply base for automotive interior and safety components.
- Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and commercial agreements to meet program cost targets, deliverables, and Job 1 launch timing.
- Source and purchase production parts, service parts, tooling, and services supporting interior and safety systems.
- Take ownership of sourcing activities for interior systems and 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- 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 interior components and/or 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.
