Manager, MRO

Slate Auto • Warsaw, IN

5d

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. Slate Automotive is seeking a highly experienced MRO Manager with 8+ years of leadership in automotive or industrial manufacturing to drive up time, safety, and cost efficiency across our Warsaw facility. This role will define and execute the production MRO scope by partnering with key stakeholders, including Manufacturing, Facilities, Maintenance, Production Control, EHS, HR, and Finance to ensure the availability of critical spare parts, tools, and consumables that support our mission of building a truly affordable vehicle.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or Finance or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of MRO management experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing.
• 8+ years of MRO management experience in automative or high- volume manufacturing.
• Experience managing cycle counts and physical inventory programs.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, reliability programs and cost reduction initiatives.
• Proven ability to work with cross-functional factory teams to define and execute MRO scope.
• Strong knowledge of MRO categories, vendor negotiations, and inventory optimization.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and CMMS platforms.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Inventory accuracy and turnover – maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
• Fill rate and part availability – ensuring timely fulfillment of maintenance work orders to support uptime.
• Cycle count compliance and inventory reconciliation – driving accuracy and accountability in physical inventory processes.
• Cost savings through strategic sourcing – identifying opportunities to reduce spend without compromising quality or reliability.
• Supplier performance and audit readiness – maintaining strong vendor relationships and ensuring compliance with internal and external standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the MRO strategy to support uptime, lean operations, and cost optimization across the facility.
• Manage procurement, inventory, and supplier relationships for spare parts, tooling, and indirect materials.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Facilities, Production Control, EHS, HR, and Finance to align MRO scope with production schedules, safety standards, and financial targets.
• Implement and optimize ERP/CMMS systems to improve inventory tracking, replenishment, and usage analytics.
• Lead cycle counts and physical inventory audits to ensure accuracy, traceability, and compliance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with ISO/IATF standards, environmental regulations, and audit requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in MRO processes, including spend analysis and inventory accuracy.
• Mentor and support MRO buyers and storeroom personnel, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and operational excellence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager