Supplier Quality Manager - Interiors

About the Role

SLATE is looking for an energetic, organized, experienced Supplier Quality Manager, Interior Commodity to join our growing team. The Supplier Quality Manager will lead supplier quality execution across Slate’s interior supply base, with accountability spanning soft trim, hard trim, instrument panels, door panels, overhead systems, and related interior components. This position is accountable for driving PPAP completion, dimensional and appearance compliance, and supplier readiness in support of program milestones and production launch.

Responsibilities

• Manage PPAP submissions and approval status across the interior commodity supply base.
• Drive dimensional, appearance, and functional compliance.
• Execute containment and corrective action at underperforming suppliers.
• Lead a team of Supplier Quality Engineers aligned to interior commodities, providing direction, prioritization, and development support through launch and into production.
• Own the interior supplier quality relationship and coordinate readiness reviews and milestone gate activities.
• Work cross-functionally with Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing to deliver interior components that meet Slate’s quality standards and launch objectives.
• Manage PPAP milestones, drive dimensional and appearance compliance, and close corrective actions with measurable results.
• Develop supplier KPIs and scorecards, using data to track PPAP status, dimensional compliance, and supplier readiness progress.
• Coordinate PPAP approval, appearance sign-off, engineering disposition, and production readiness decisions with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Purchasing.

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.
• Deep experience with interior commodity components including soft trim, hard trim, instrument panels, door panels, overhead systems, seats, and related plastic and foam assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced start-up environment.

Skills

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• 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.

Pay

Base Pay Range (Annual): $123,339 - $185,009 USD

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability insurance.
• Vacation and 401k.
• Eligibility to participate in the equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.

Why Join Team Slate?

At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness moves our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, motivated by shared principles:

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy