Senior Manager

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

As the Senior Manager, Production Control Operations you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of material management activities at Warsaw Plant.  In this leadership role, you will ensure the efficient and accurate handling of materials within the facility, including the timely delivery of raw materials and components to the production line, coordination of finished vehicle deliveries to the factory yard, and management of service part builds and shipments.  Your efforts will directly support plant management in achieving production targets while optimizing cost efficiency and maintaining high standards of quality.  You will collaborate closely with teams focused on material planning and scheduling, material flow, material handling, and packaging engineering to guarantee that all factory material processes and equipment operate seamlessly.  Additionally, you will lead continuous improvement (kaizen) initiatives to enhance the reliability and efficiency of factory material flow, scheduling, and inventory systems.  This role demands a hands-on approach in a fast-paced environment and is critical to both the launch and ongoing success of high-volume, high-quality vehicle production. This position reports directly to the Head of Production Control.

* Must be willing to relocate to Warsaw, Indiana.  Relocation assistance will be provided. *

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Direct the daily operations of material management & operations at factory, including oversight of scheduling, inventory management, kitting, lineside delivery, and service parts management to ensure seamless workflow and timely fulfillment of production requirements.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Material Operations, Third-Party Logistics (3PL), and service part management, fostering a collaborative and accountable environment.

• Ensure strict adherence to safety, quality, and environmental regulations across all material handling and logistics processes.

• Collaborate with material planning and production control engineering teams to validate that new processes, equipment, and facility layouts support operational excellence and maximize throughput.

• Review, synchronize, and provide actionable feedback to material and production planning teams, ensuring that production schedules align with material availability, supplier readiness, and build requirements.

• Coordinate closely with logistics, engineering, and production departments to align material strategies with build requirements and takt time objectives.

• Proactively monitor and resolve material shortages, delivery delays, and inventory discrepancies in real time to prevent production disruptions.

• Facilitate daily tier meetings and escalation routines to maintain build integrity, promptly addressing and resolving operational challenges.

• Support incoming inspection activities, ensure Bill of Materials (BOM) accuracy, and oversee the implementation of engineering changes.

• Partner with material planning and IT teams to maintain ERP/MRP system accuracy and ensure seamless data exchange with warehouse and shop-floor control systems.

• Track, analyze, and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs), including inventory accuracy, material availability rate, schedule adherence, inventory turnover, dock-to-stock time, line stoppages due to shortages, cycle-count accuracy, material handling efficiency, and scrap or obsolescence rate.

• Drive ongoing improvements in material flow, cycle counting practices, and system integration to enhance reliability and efficiency.

• Lead material kaizen initiatives to enhance flow, reliability, and cost-effectiveness throughout the factory via cross-functional collaboration, data-driven analysis, and frontline feedback, supporting lasting productivity, cost reduction, and quality improvements.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.  Master’s degree is preferred.

• 12+ years of experience in automotive operations, manufacturing and material or supply planning, with a focus on production control and operations.

• Strong understanding of ERP / MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, FUUZ, etc.) and MES integration.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive daily execution in a startup or launch environment.

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

• Experience with lean manufacturing, JIT, and kanban systems.

• Familiarity with ISO 9001 standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Fast-paced startup environment with hands-on leadership required.

• Mix of office, shop floor, and supplier engagement.

• May require travel to suppliers, launch sites, or logistics hubs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 20%).

• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.

• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

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

[email protected].