Senior Buyer - Interior & Safety

Slate Auto•Troy, MI

About The Position

Slate is looking for an energetic, organized, and experienced Sr. Buyer – Interior and Safety 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field or experience.
8–10 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering within automotive or manufacturing industries.
Proven experience sourcing automotive interior components and/or vehicle safety systems.
Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
Ability to identify process issues and drive improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
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.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage a strategic supply base for automotive interior and safety components.
Lead supplier RFIs, RFQs, negotiations, and commercial agreements to meet program cost targets, deliverables, and Job 1 launch timing.
Source and purchase production parts, service parts, tooling, and services supporting interior and safety systems.
Take ownership of sourcing activities for interior systems and safety-related components, ensuring supplier readiness, precision fit, and program timing.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management to resolve cost, quality, and delivery issues.
Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities and value engineering initiatives with suppliers.
Monitor supplier performance and mitigate sourcing risks to support program launch and supply continuity.
Ensure supplier compliance with Slate’s Global Terms and Conditions and commercial agreements.
Analyze sourcing data and market intelligence to support best value sourcing decisions.
Communicate supplier risks, program impacts, and sourcing priorities to internal stakeholders.