Senior Manager, Production Control Operations

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate were building safe reliable vehicles that people can afford personalize and loveand 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

As the Senior Manager Production Control Operations you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of material management activities at Warsaw this leadership role you will ensure the efficient and accurate handling of materials within the facility including the timely delivery of raw materials and components to the production line coordination of finished vehicle deliveries to the factory yard and management of service part builds and shipments. Your efforts will directly support plant management in achieving production targets while optimizing cost efficiency and maintaining high standards of quality. You will collaborate closely with teams focused on material planning and scheduling material flow material handling and packaging engineering to guarantee that all factory material processes and equipment operate seamlessly. Additionally you will lead continuous improvement (kaizen) initiatives to enhance the reliability and efficiency of factory material flow scheduling and inventory systems. This role demands a hands-on approach in a fast-paced environment and is critical to both the launch and ongoing success of high-volume high-quality vehicle production. This position reports directly to the Head of Production Control.

* Must be willing to relocate to Warsaw Indiana. Relocation assistance will be provided. *

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

• Direct the daily operations of material management & operations at factory including oversight of scheduling inventory management kitting lineside delivery and service parts management to ensure seamless workflow and timely fulfillment of production requirements.

• Lead mentor and develop a high-performing team of Material Operations Third-Party Logistics (3PL) and service part management fostering a collaborative and accountable environment.

• Ensure strict adherence to safety quality and environmental regulations across all material handling and logistics processes.

• Collaborate with material planning and production control engineering teams to validate that new processes equipment and facility layouts support operational excellence and maximize throughput.

• Review synchronize and provide actionable feedback to material and production planning teams ensuring that production schedules align with material availability supplier readiness and build requirements.

• Coordinate closely with logistics engineering and production departments to align material strategies with build requirements and takt time objectives.

• Proactively monitor and resolve material shortages delivery delays and inventory discrepancies in real time to prevent production disruptions.

• Facilitate daily tier meetings and escalation routines to maintain build integrity promptly addressing and resolving operational challenges.

• Support incoming inspection activities ensure Bill of Materials (BOM) accuracy and oversee the implementation of engineering changes.

• Partner with material planning and IT teams to maintain ERP/MRP system accuracy and ensure seamless data exchange with warehouse and shop-floor control systems.

• Track analyze and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs) including inventory accuracy material availability rate schedule adherence inventory turnover dock-to-stock time line stoppages due to shortages cycle-count accuracy material handling efficiency and scrap or obsolescence rate.

• Drive ongoing improvements in material flow cycle counting practices and system integration to enhance reliability and efficiency.

• Lead material kaizen initiatives to enhance flow reliability and cost-effectiveness throughout the factory via cross-functional collaboration data-driven analysis and frontline feedback supporting lasting productivity cost reduction and quality improvements.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Industrial Engineering or a related field. Masters degree is preferred.

• 12 years of experience in automotive operations manufacturing and material or supply planning with a focus on production control and operations.

• Strong understanding of ERP / MRP systems (e.g. SAP Oracle FUUZ etc.) and MES integration.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive daily execution in a startup or launch environment.

• Excellent problem-solving communication and organizational skills.

• Experience with lean manufacturing JIT and kanban systems.

• Familiarity with ISO 9001 standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Fast-paced startup environment with hands-on leadership required.

• Mix of office shop floor and supplier engagement.

• May require travel to suppliers launch sites or logistics hubs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 20%).

• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.

• Must have the ability to stand walk and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE

At Slate were fueled by grit determination and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence innovation and mutual respect and is motivated by shared principles.

• Safety First

• Delight Customers

• One Team

• Relentless Improvement

• Fast Frugal and Scrappy

• Respectful Collaboration

• Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age veteran status marital status parental status cultural background organizational level work styles tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.

Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact us at