Senior Contract Specialist

Slate Auto • Troy, MI

2d

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 seeking a strategic and highly collaborative Senior Contract Specialist to support our rapidly growing business. Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Commercial, this role will be instrumental in driving efficient, business-focused contract negotiations and approvals across the organization. You will partner closely with teams including Procurement, Accessories Marketplace, Capital Equipment & Infrastructure, Service, IT, HR, Finance, and Manufacturing to guide stakeholders through the contracting process while balancing speed, risk, and operational priorities. This role requires a solutions-oriented professional who can identify risks, recommend practical paths forward, and represent Slate’s interests with both internal partners and external suppliers. If you thrive in fast-moving environments, enjoy influencing outcomes, and want to help build contracting processes that scale with a transformative EV company, this role is for you.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Demonstrated experience negotiating complex commercial contracts
• Strong knowledge of contract fundamentals and risk management practices
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to operate independently while managing multiple priorities
• Proven capability to influence stakeholders without direct authority
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency with MS365 and Smartsheet (or similar workflow tools)
• Growth mindset with interest in expanding legal and commercial expertise

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting a manufacturing, automotive, or similarly complex operational environment preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead Contract Negotiations: Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements—including supply, services, capital equipment, technology, and partnership contracts—in collaboration with legal counsel and with minimal supervision.
• Drive Smart Risk Decisions: Identify legal and business risks early, recommend mitigation strategies, and ensure alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Own the Contract Lifecycle: Provide responsive, strategic support from intake through execution in a high-growth, startup environment where priorities evolve quickly.
• Partner Across the Business: Build trusted relationships with cross-functional teams to align contracting strategies with operational and financial objectives.
• Influence Outcomes: Guide stakeholders toward balanced, pragmatic decisions while maintaining appropriate governance.
• Enable Scalable Processes: Help develop and refine contracting workflows, templates, and best practices that support Slate’s long-term growth.
• Serve as a Trusted Resource: Act as a go-to contracting expert with a strong understanding of Slate’s products, marketplace strategy, and broader business goals.
• Bridge Business and Legal: Translate business needs into contractual terms and ensure clear communication between internal teams and Legal.
• Support Mission-Critical Deals: Track and manage negotiations tied to automotive supply, infrastructure, and marketplace partnerships that enable Slate to deliver safe, durable, and affordable EV trucks.

What This Job Offers

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