Operations Group Lead, Body - 1st Shift

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.

We are seeking an Operations Group Lead to lead day-to-day production activities within the Body Shop. This role is a hands-on, floor-focused leadership position responsible for supervising production associates and team leads, ensuring safe operations, high-quality output, and on-time delivery. The Operations Group Lead partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to support stable, repeatable, and efficient production.

• Directly supervise Body Shop production associates and/or team leads to meet daily production targets.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety standards, quality requirements, and standardized work instructions.
• Execute daily production plans, manage staffing, and balance labor to support takt time and throughput.
• Monitor and drive performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People metrics.
• Lead daily tier meetings, shift handovers, and production floor communication.
• Identify production issues and lead first-level root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Escalate complex or cross-functional issues effectively and follow through to closure.
• Support Manufacturing Engineering with PFMEAs, control plans, and implementation of process changes.
• Partner with Quality and Maintenance to resolve downtime, defects, and rework.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean manufacturing tools and standard problem-solving methods.
• Coach, train, and develop production associates to build skills, engagement, and accountability.
• Maintain accurate reporting of production performance, safety incidents, and quality concerns.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent hands-on manufacturing leadership experience).
• 5–8 years of experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• 2+ years of direct supervisory experience on the production floor.
• Strong working knowledge of Body-in-White (BIW) processes, equipment, and inspection methods preferred.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, safety-critical, and highly automated environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence hourly teams and partner cross-functionally.
• Ability to prioritize, make timely decisions, and remain engaged under pressure.
• Comfortable spending the majority of time on the shop floor in an industrial environment.

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

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-o.