Supplier Quality Manager - Exterior and Closures

Slate Auto

1d•$123,339 - $185,009

About The Position

SLATE is looking for an energetic, organized, experienced Supplier Quality Manager, Exterior & Closures to join our growing team. The SQM, Exterior & Closures will lead supplier quality execution across Slate’s exterior and closures supply base, with accountability spanning body panels, fascias, glass, mirrors, doors, tailgate, hood, liftgate, and related exterior and closure components. This position is accountable for driving PPAP completion, dimensional and appearance compliance, and supplier readiness in support of program milestones and production launch.

Requirements

Engineering Degree or equivalent or previous working level experience
10+ years of Supplier Quality experience including PPAP management, APQP, dimensional and appearance compliance, commodity-based SQE team leadership, and launch support
Prior people management or team lead experience required
Excellent communication and relationship building skills
Deep experience with exterior and closure components including body panels, fascias, glass, mirrors, doors, tailgate, hood, liftgate, and related stamped, molded, and glazing assemblies
Demonstrated ability to manage PPAP milestones, drive dimensional and appearance compliance, and close corrective actions with measurable results across a complex exterior and closures supply base
Strong working knowledge of supplier KPI and scorecard development, with the ability to use data to track PPAP status, dimensional compliance, and supplier readiness progress
Ability to work directly with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Purchasing to coordinate PPAP approval, appearance sign-off, engineering disposition, and production readiness decisions
Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
High level of integrity
Experience directly managing or leading a team of supplier quality engineers, including task assignment, performance oversight, and technical mentorship
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment

Responsibilities

Managing PPAP submissions and approval status across the exterior and closures supply base
Driving dimensional, appearance, and functional compliance
Executing containment and corrective action at underperforming suppliers
Directly leading a team of Supplier Quality Engineers aligned to exterior and closure commodities, providing direction, prioritization, and development support through launch and into production
Owning the exterior and closures supplier quality relationship
Coordinating readiness reviews and milestone gate activities
Working cross-functionally with Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing to deliver exterior and closure components that meet Slate’s quality standards and launch objectives