Operations Manager, Body

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 We are seeking a Body Operation Manager to lead operations within the Body shop. This leader will be responsible for managing production teams, driving operational excellence, and ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality output. The Body Operation Manager will partner closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to deliver world-class results in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development. WHAT YOU GET TO DO Lead and inspire a team of Supervisors, Leads, and Production Associates across the Body Shop. Develop, implement, and sustain standardized work instructions and operating procedures to ensure consistent production execution. Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve throughput. Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to support PFMEAs, control plans, and process changes to ensure stable production. Develop training programs, workforce planning, and team development initiatives to build a highly skilled and engaged workforce. Monitor and manage production performance using key metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People). Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, fostering a culture of accountability and ownership across the production floor. Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for safety, quality, and delivery issues. Drive operational discipline by ensuring all processes are followed and escalations are managed effectively. Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to ensure smooth production operations and continuous improvement. WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (advanced degree preferred). 8 years of production leadership experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing, including 3 years in a senior management role. Proven ability to lead large production teams in a fast-paced, high-automation environment. Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies. Demonstrated success in developing leaders and building high-performing teams. Experience working with BIW processes, equipment, and measurement/inspection techniques preferred. Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage and act on production performance data. Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Ability to remain proactive and engaged under pressure, managing competing priorities and tight deadlines. 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 recar-talent_acquisition@slate.auto. 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.