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Manager, Material Handling & Material Flow Engineering

Warsaw, IN

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.  We are unable to financially sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this opportunity currently.


About Slate

At Slate, we’ve got one job: building a vehicle you’ll fall in love with, right here in the USA.  We believe that car buyers — not car companies — should call the shots.  We like looking at a road, not a screen.  We don’t like paying for stuff we don’t need.
We like picking out the stuff we do need.  We think dings are badges, not blemishes.  But we know not everyone likes what we like.  So, we built you a Slate: you make it yours.


Who we are looking for:

Slate is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Manager, Material Handling & Material Flow Engineering to drive the design, optimization, and automation of material flow, warehousing, and factory logistics.  This role requires deep expertise in automotive manufacturing logistics, Lean methodologies, and advanced automation technologies.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in material flow engineering, warehouse design, packaging optimization, and transportation systems, with the ability to architect processes from the ground up.  This role demands strong analytical skills, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic leadership to ensure operational excellence in a high-volume, fast-paced production environment.

This position will partner with multiple teams, including Manufacturing, Purchasing, Suppliers, Quality, Logistics, IT, and 4PL / 3PL.


What you get to do:

  • Develop, manage, and optimize a Plan for Every Part (PFEP) to enhance cost efficiency and service levels.
  • Architect warehouse layouts, factory flow strategies, and material handling designs for optimal material flow.
  • Implement Lean manufacturing principles, including Just-in-Time (JIT), Just-in-Sequence (JIS), Kanban, and material pull systems.
  • Oversee material handling specifications, inventory methods, and warehouse management systems to prevent supply chain disruptions.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives using methodologies such as DMAIC, Value Stream Mapping, and 5S.
  • Forecast facility, storage, staffing, and automation technology needs to improve efficiency and utilization.
  • Spearhead the implementation of advanced & low cost logistics automation, including ASRS, AGVs / AGCs, kitting / sequencing solutions, and dock automation, based on business case & ROI.
  • Develop and execute Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to standardize logistics operations.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Kaizen events, Lean workshops, and operational efficiency programs.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and workplace safety, including ISO 9001 / 14001 standards, OSHA regulations, and automotive industry logistics requirements.
  • With support from logistics & supply chain, drive optimal design & implementation of material packaging that improves space and delivery, while maintaining part integrity.


What you bring to the team:

Education & Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Material Handling Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in Material Flow Engineering, Warehouse Design, Automation Systems, and Logistics Technology.
  • High volume Lean Manufacturing experience in the automotive industry is strongly preferred.

Technical Expertise

  • Advanced knowledge of automation in logistics, including robotics, ASRS, AGVs, and automated material handling systems.
  • Experience with ERP systems is preferred.
  • Expertise in process improvement methodologies is preferred, including Six Sigma (Green Belt / Black Belt).
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Leadership & Change Management

  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive collaboration across manufacturing, purchasing, IT, and warehouse operations.
  • Strong mentorship and coaching skills, capable of developing logistics engineers and operational teams.
  • Change management expertise, particularly in adopting new technologies and workflow improvements.
  • Budget management experience, including cost analysis, ROI evaluations, and capital expenditure planning for logistics projects.

Industry & Compliance Knowledge

  • Expertise in automotive logistics regulations, including customs compliance, hazardous material handling, and supplier quality standards.
  • Understanding of ISO 9001 / 14001 standards and regulatory requirements affecting logistics operations.
  • Familiarity with green supply chain initiatives, including carbon footprint reduction and sustainable packaging solutions.
  • Ability to ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

Soft Skills & Strategic Vision

  • Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills to optimize logistics efficiency.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills for supplier and stakeholder management.
  • Ability to drive continuous improvement culture through Lean workshops, Kaizen events, and employee training programs.
  • Strong adaptability and resilience in a high-volume production environment.


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, we’re 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 recar-talent_acquisition@slate.auto.

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