WHO WE ARE LOOKING FORSLATE 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 DOIn 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.
