Job Description
ABOUT SLATE
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 looking for an experienced Operations Manager to stand up and run our Louisville vinyl wrap production facility. You will own the operation end to end — from the moment raw material arrives at the dock to the moment a finished kit ships to the customer.
This facility and business are new. There are no inherited processes, no established team, and no margin for error on quality. You must be comfortable building in motion: writing SOPs while running production, developing people while learning equipment, and making decisions without a complete picture. You'll be on your feet most of the day, working alongside the team, hands-on with industrial printers, laminators, and cutters. This role requires the ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
| WHAT YOU GET TO DO
Build a safety-first culture from day one and hold it at every level of the team.
Own the full production flow: inbound receiving, inventory management, print, cut, kit, pack, and outbound shipping.
Lead the operational launch of the facility from equipment setup through first customer shipment.
Learn every piece of production equipment at an operational level and train the team on it.
Build SOPs, work instructions, and daily management systems from scratch.
Translate volume forecasts into staffing and equipment plans; own capacity planning and the decisions that come from it.
Drive the facility to its operational efficiency targets and build the systems that sustain them.
Manage team members, create a positive culture, and drive accountability for the site.
Develop team members for growth, cross-training, and shift leadership readiness.
Partner with the QC and Training Lead to establish quality standards and reduce defect and rework rates.
Plan and execute the transition to a second shift, including developing or hiring shift leadership.
Lead continuous improvement across the full production flow — identify waste, run projects to completion.
| WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM
5 or more years in operations management with direct accountability for throughput, quality, and cost in a distribution, fulfillment, or production environment.
Proven experience launching a new operation from the ground up, not inheriting an established one.
Experience building a positive culture in a warehouse environment
Distribution or fulfillment background required — you understand inbound, inventory, pick/pack, and outbound execution at a working level.
Comfort getting hands-on with production equipment and teaching others to use it.
Experience translating volume forecasts into staffing and equipment recommendations.
Track record building process where none existed and holding a team to it.
Experience in continuous improvement, making process improvements, tracking savings, and gaining buy in from all team members to implement change.
Strong developer of frontline supervisors, leads and associates
Data-driven approach to daily management — you build the tracking systems when they don't exist.
Ability to work a primary shift with flexibility as the operation requires.
Physical stamina for an active, on-your-feet role with occasional lifting to 30 pounds.
Experience in graphics production, large-format printing, or custom manufacturing is a plus. Automotive experience is not required.
Work Authorization Requirement:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.
Salary Range: The compensation for this position is the range Slate reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; work location; and other relevant business and organizational factors.
Base Pay Range (Annual)
$123,000. - $154,000.
Additional Compensation and Benefits: Slate offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible 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 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