Head of Purchasing - BIW

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

You’re a builder — of teams, relationships, and strategies that deliver results. We’re looking for a Head of Purchasing for BIW & Chassis who thrives in fast-paced, high-accountability environments and loves the challenge of creating robust supply chains from the ground up. You combine deep technical and commercial understanding of automotive structures and chassis systems with a startup mindset—decisive, frugal, and relentlessly resourceful. You know how to balance speed and rigor, ensuring quality and cost goals are met without compromising on safety or supplier trust.

What You Get To Do

As Slate’s Head/Director of Purchasing – BIW & Chassis, you will:

• Lead sourcing and commercial strategy for all BIW and chassis systems, ensuring best-in-class cost, timing, and quality.
• Develop and execute supplier strategies aligned with Slate’s product roadmap and vehicle launch milestones.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Program Management, and Finance to define make/buy strategies and optimize total cost of ownership.
• Negotiate complex contracts, supplier development programs, and long-term agreements that support Slate’s growth and scale-up plans.
• Build and mentor a high-performing purchasing team capable of managing supplier relationships with technical depth and commercial discipline.
• Support design-to-cost and supplier innovation initiatives to enable an affordable vehicle that customers can afford and love.
• Build processes and SOPs to streamline and make internal purchasing processes more robust and effective
  
  

What You Bring To The Team

15 years of experience in automotive purchasing or supply chain leadership, with specific expertise in BIW, chassis, or structural systems. Proven record of developing supplier strategies, leading negotiations, and delivering cost and quality improvements. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (stamping, welding, casting, suspension, steering systems, etc.). Strategic problem solver who can balance tactical execution with long-term vision. Excellent communicator and collaborator—able to influence across functions and levels. Passion for building something meaningful from the ground up and driving reindustrialization in the U.S.

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.