Buyer II, MRO, Capex & Returnables

Slate Auto•Troy, MI

About The Position

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 Slate is looking for an energetic, organized, and experienced Buyer II – MRO, CapEx & Returnables 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 MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations), capital equipment, and returnable packaging. Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and commercial agreements to meet cost targets, project timelines, and operational requirements. Source and purchase maintenance supplies, facility services, capital equipment, tooling, and returnable packaging systems supporting manufacturing and operations. Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, Logistics, and Finance teams to support plant readiness, production uptime, and capital investment projects. Manage sourcing activities related to production equipment, automation, plant infrastructure, and facility improvements. Support implementation and procurement of returnable packaging systems, racks, totes, and containers to support efficient logistics and material flow. Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities, supplier consolidation, and process improvements across MRO and indirect spend categories. Monitor supplier performance and ensure delivery, quality, and service levels meet operational requirements. Ensure supplier compliance with Slate’s Global Terms and Conditions and commercial agreements. Analyze purchasing data and market intelligence to support strategic sourcing decisions and cost optimization. Identify supply risks and work with internal teams to ensure continuity of operations and plant uptime.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent experience.
8–10 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Engineering within automotive, manufacturing, or industrial environments.
Proven experience sourcing MRO supplies, capital equipment, facilities services, or industrial equipment.
Experience managing indirect spend categories and supplier negotiations.
Strong supplier relationship management and negotiation skills.
Ability to identify process inefficiencies and drive operational and cost improvements.
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.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with returnable packaging systems, logistics equipment, or manufacturing material flow solutions is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage a strategic supply base for MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations), capital equipment, and returnable packaging.
Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and commercial agreements to meet cost targets, project timelines, and operational requirements.
Source and purchase maintenance supplies, facility services, capital equipment, tooling, and returnable packaging systems supporting manufacturing and operations.
Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, Logistics, and Finance teams to support plant readiness, production uptime, and capital investment projects.
Manage sourcing activities related to production equipment, automation, plant infrastructure, and facility improvements.
Support implementation and procurement of returnable packaging systems, racks, totes, and containers to support efficient logistics and material flow.
Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities, supplier consolidation, and process improvements across MRO and indirect spend categories.
Monitor supplier performance and ensure delivery, quality, and service levels meet operational requirements.
Ensure supplier compliance with Slate’s Global Terms and Conditions and commercial agreements.
Analyze purchasing data and market intelligence to support strategic sourcing decisions and cost optimization.
Identify supply risks and work with internal teams to ensure continuity of operations and plant uptime.